Photos by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Boone Pickens Stadium W Hall of Fame Ave & Hester St Stillwater, OK 74078 Oklahoma State Cowboys website Boone Pickens Stadium website Year Opened: 1920 Capacity: 60,218 Oklahoma State Cowboys Boone Pickens Stadium, formerly known as Lewis Field, has been home to football games since 1913, which is when Oklahoma State (then called Oklahoma A&M) began playing at the site. Originally known simply as Athletic Field, the venue was renamed Lewis Field in 1914 after Laymon Lowery Lewis, a former dean of veterinary medicine, science, and literature; Lewis is one of the most popular figures in the school’s history. The stadium currently has a capacity of 60,218, and was renamed Boone Pickens Stadium in 2003, in honor of renovation donations from alumnus T. Boone Pickens. Pickens’ gift was the single-largest gift in school history at the time – in 2003 his $70 million donation ($20 million of which was earmarked for stadium expansion) eventually generated more than $100 million in gifts and pledges from more than 2,500 individuals, making it the single-most successful campaign in OSU history. Besides college football, Boone Pickens Stadium also hosts high school football games during the fall, and in 1984 hosted a game between the Oklahoma Outlaws and the Houston Gamblers of the USFL. Food & Beverage 3 The food options here aren’t anything to get excited about, but there is plenty of basic stadium fare, and enough concessions to cover you during the game. The prices are on par with other sport venues. Chicken strips are available for $8, while cheeseburgers, pizza, and burgers are all priced at $6 from the regular (Sodexo) stands. Hot dogs, nachos, French fries, popcorn, pretzels, peanuts, cotton candy, and packaged candy average around $4. The stadium does have outside vendors serving food with higher prices than the main stands; a few of these outside restaurants are Persimmon Hill (providing Philly cheesesteaks for $18 or pepperoni cheese rolls and club sandwiches on an everything bagel for $14 each), Pokey’s BBQ, and Curty Shack for hot dogs with a twist for $7-$11 (Curty Shack is self-titled as ‘A Stillwater Original’). The soft drink selection consists of Pepsi / Dr Pepper products with prices being $5 for a small, $6 for a medium, and $7 for the large souvenir cup. The alcohol menu is strong with a large selection of beer, liquor, and wine, including the basic Bud selection at $8.50 or Karbach brewery selections and locals for $10 to $12 – my favorite, Stilly Wheat, is $11. The food variety, quality, and prices of the food are good. However, when you have a neighborhood like Stillwater, the basics of the stadium’s food and beverage menu are a perfect match for the fans. Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere begins early in the day as parking lots around Oklahoma State University open at 8 am on game day. The area around Boone Pickens Stadium and throughout the campus begins to host crowds of tailgaters with bright orange pop up tents. The smell of food from grills or smokers replaces the fresh scent of the Oklahoma plains. Non-tailgating fans that want to begin their day head towards the restaurants around Stillwater, the most famous hot spot being Eskimo Joe’s. There are two types of pre-game activities around Boone Pickens Stadium besides tailgating or restaurants – the first is a fan fest on the north side of the stadium, and the second is at the Student Union building on Hester Road. The fan fest opens about 3 hours before kickoff and invites fans to interact with the Oklahoma State athletics programs, as OSU sports teams are available for autographs, and the OSU spirit squads, along with mascot Pistol Pete, are available for pictures with fans. Once you have seen the spirit squads and Pistol Pete, head over to the Student Union building to see the Oklahoma State marching band, spirit squads, and Pistol Pete lead the OSU Cowboys football team in the Spirit Walk to Boone Pickens Stadium. The two-level, 60,000+ seat stadium fills with bright orange quickly; the stadium has bleacher seating, but there are cushions available to rent. However, fans here spend more time standing than sitting down, which is part of the reason the OSU fan base is one of the loudest in the Big 12. You’ll be able to identify the student section on the west side of the stadium, near the OSU entrance tunnel, as the front row of students beats the sides of the stadium walls with large sticks. The band is in the end zone, not far from the students. The Cowboys football team enters the field by opening a gate like at a rodeo bull riding event, and run through smoke, fireworks, and the playing band. Bullet (a horse) is ridden onto the field with the OSU flag ahead of the team. The seating at Boone Pickens Stadium is a horseshoe, but seems enclosed, as historic Gallagher-Iba Arena sits in the east end zone. OSU’s army artillery weapon, Packy, is also in that end zone, but not too close to the seats; Packy is fired throughout the game, especially after a Pokes score. This is under the supervision of the Oklahoma State University ROTC program, and the ROTC students are also visible in the student section, as an ROTC student will do push-ups for every point the Pokes score. This is done on top of a flat board, which is held up by other ROTC students. Pokes fans are continuously involved throughout the game and have numerous traditions. These traditions range from a first down chant, motioning in unison, the chant of “Orange Power” from 60,000+ people, and fans waving in unison every time the Cowboys score. Overall, the atmosphere is wonderful, and depending on the visiting team or the importance of the game, the atmosphere at Boone Pickens Stadium can easily move from good to great. Neighborhood 5 Boone Pickens Stadium is in Stillwater, Oklahoma on the Oklahoma State University campus, and is adjacent to Gallagher-Iba Arena . Stillwater has a population close to 47K and is about an hour’s drive from the state’s two largest cities of Oklahoma City and Tulsa. The description of Stillwater is the definition of a college town – the neighborhood has interesting bars and restaurants to satisfy not only the college students, but also football fans visiting Stillwater. The main artery for campus nightlife is the strip on Washington Street, which includes Willie’s Saloon, the venue where Garth Brooks began his career. Just a few blocks east of the strip there is Hideaway Pizza, a Stillwater original and an Oklahoma tradition since 1957. However, no trip to Stillwater is complete without a stop at the famous Eskimo Joe’s. This restaurant and store will get quite crowded on game day, so plan to arrive early to experience Stillwater’s “finest little jukebox joint”. Eskimo Joe’s is just one block from Boone Pickens Stadium, and serves burgers and other great entrees, but it is the amazing cheese fries that are a must when ordering food. There are several varieties, but I would suggest the bacon cheese fries. Besides the restaurants, Stillwater is home to the National Wrestling Hall of Fame; Oklahoma State has earned 34 national championships in college wrestling. The Oklahoma State campus and the city of Stillwater are also great tourist attractions in and of themselves, but on game day the neighborhood becomes one of the best in college football. Fans 4 The Oklahoma State fans, in a football-dominant state such as Oklahoma, are great football fans. However, where the other big state school seems to just have great football fans, Oklahoma State has great sports fans, and this comes out at every sporting event. The fans continuously support the Pokes throughout games with the “Orange Power” chant, motioning of guns ups or first down, as well as singing the song “Oklahoma”, but with the punctuating ending addition of the word “State.” Access 3 The only potential downside to an otherwise great road trip is the access to Boone Pickens Stadium. Getting in and out can be difficult given the location of Stillwater on the plains of Oklahoma, about an hour from public transportation or any large airport, and the city having only two ways for traffic to get out of town. Parking can be a bit of a hassle if you are not familiar with the options before coming to Stillwater. Like other college football programs, donors and season ticket holders of course have the best parking sites, but the public can usually find a business or homeowner who allows parking in their lot or yard. However, if you arrive early there is free parking along neighborhood streets, only a short walk from the stadium and many of the restaurants. Be sure to read the signs about where you can park, though, so you won’t be towed. Alternatively, if you want a safer free parking option, and you are okay being shuttled to and from your vehicle, then downtown Stillwater offers free public parking and shopping opportunities for fans. The shuttle service picks up downtown at the corner of 7th and Lewis and drops off at the stadium, located at the corner of Hall of Fame and Knoblock. The shuttle starts running about three hours prior to kickoff and continues throughout the game and after, with pick-ups and drop-offs every 15 minutes. Once you get to Boone Pickens Stadium itself, access is a great experience. There is plenty of room, and the school’s alma mater is written above the entrance gates. The bathrooms are labeled as Cowgirls/Cowboys and there are plenty of them, all with easy access. The concourses are wide and easy to get around, with plenty of signage to help you navigate the venue. Overall, Boone Pickens Stadium itself has great access, but for a first time or unprepared fan, getting into Stillwater and parking might not be as easy. The suggestion would be to get to Stillwater early and enjoy walking around the town and campus. Return on Investment 3 Boone Pickens Stadium is a phenomenal facility with great sightlines and a solid atmosphere, located in the wonderful college town of Stillwater. Visiting the stadium is well worth the money – single game tickets are $50 for non-conference games, while Big 12 games sell for $75, the exception being the last Bedlam game versus Oklahoma , which is only included if you purchase season tickets. However, if you are looking to save some money, there are always third-party markets, especially for non-conference games. The concessions prices are equal to other sport venues, but Stillwater itself offers a much better variety and cost for food. Extras 3 Boone Pickens Stadium has some great architecture thanks to the 2003 renovation, which can be seen in the split concourse and the steel infrastructure. Having 14 suites that are used for events at Boone Pickens Stadium and in Gallagher-Iba Arena is also a plus. In 2018 the stadium added the 8th largest videoboard at a college football-only stadium. OSU’s new board, which is in the east end zone on the outside wall of Gallagher-Iba Arena , measures roughly 56 feet tall and 110 feet wide, and can show live action and full-screen replays at better than 1080 HD resolution. In addition, the venue has some interesting touches in its decor, including the words to the Oklahoma State alma mater written above the entrances, the cowboy cattle-run design, and the Cowgirls/Cowboys signs identifying the women’s and men’s bathrooms. The whole college football experience here is amazing and can only be found in Stillwater. Final Thoughts A trip to Stillwater, Oklahoma is a trip that every person should make, especially for America’s Greatest Homecoming. Being on the plains of Oklahoma you can get a feel for the history of how this country began, and better understand how life was simple yet hard by just traveling through the Stillwater area. And for the football fan, Boone Pickens Stadium is a must visit, so guns up in Stillwater and join the orange Power faithful of OSU, as they ride and gather to support their Cowboys.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 John Sonny Allen Field 230 Playforth Pl Morehead, KY 40351 Morehead State Eagles website John “Sonny” Allen Field's website Year Opened: 1973 Capacity: 1,200 Checking Out a Baseball Game at Sonny Allen Field John “Sonny” Allen Field on the campus of Morehead State University opened in 1973 and holds 1,200 spectators and is located within a short distance from the football stadium Jayne Field. The ballpark is known for its unusual dimensions. The outfield fence is 24 feet high all around. The distances to the fence are 330 feet down the left field line and 345 feet down the right field line. The right-center field power alley is 335 feet, and the left-center power alley is 378 feet. The deepest part of the outfield is in the left-center field, where it measures 398 feet from home plate. Sonny Allen coached the baseball team from 1954-1975 and guided the Eagles to a 226-137 record, along with three conference championships in 1956, 1969, and 1973. Since his retirement, the team has won four more titles and made NCAA Tournament appearances, the last being in 2018. Food & Beverage 1 The single concession stand is located outside the ballpark and offers the following: hot dogs, soda, candy, and chips. There is no alcohol served at the game, and it’s advised to grab a bite to eat beforehand in one of the nearby restaurants in downtown Morehead. Atmosphere 3 To be fair, our attendance was during a rainy and cold night. The temperature had been a balmy 80 degrees the day before, but a cold front brought rain and gunpowder skies the next day. With that being said, attendance was sparse, but the action took place on the field. The stadium features a brick grandstand with a press box and concession stand at the front of the ballpark. There are two entrances leading spectators to the seating bowl that consists of bleacher-style seats down each baseline and seat-back chairs behind the backstop. Protective netting is set up from dugout to dugout. The right field fence is a short distance from home plate and has a higher fence to protect from a barrage of home runs from left-handed batters. A simple scoreboard is behind the right field wall in school colors. There are no distance markers, retired numbers, or championship banners on the outfield walls. What makes the ballpark pleasurable are the trees and hills that surround it. The location near Poppy Mountain makes the stadium view stand out among voluminous facilities across the country. There is a lookout hill down the left field line, offering views of the diamond. It has inspired the fundraising campaign for the construction of the Eagles’ Landing, which would be a viewing deck. Neighborhood 3 The Sawstone Brewing Company is less than half a mile from the ballpark and has a great selection of beer and outside, and patio seating. There are also food trucks and Pasquale’s Pizza & Pasta across the street. Customers can bring a pizza or sandwich into the bar and enjoy it with a Kentucky Common or Pale Ale. Eastern Kentucky has many opportunities for outdoor recreation that includes: tubing, skiing, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. Daniel Boone National Forest, Cave Run Lake, and Amburgey Rock are worth exploring when in the area. There can be more found on the county’s official website. Fans 3 There were a few fans at the game, but due to Mother Nature, they appeared to be friends and family members of the players. The Eagles scored quite a bit of rain during the game, and it created a lot of clapping and cheering from the crowd. Access 3 Allen Field is located on campus next to the football field. The ballpark is on Main Street, north of downtown. There is parking in front of the stadium. Two staircases lead to the seating bowl, and plenty of room to move around once you are in your seat. The closest interstate is I-64, about an hour east of Lexington, Kentucky. Return on Investment 2 The price of admission is as follows: Reserved $8, General Admission $6, and Child $3. The food prices are low, and team merchandise is not sold at games. Downtown Morehead is a great way to spend time before or after the game for a worthwhile evening. Extras 3 Allen Field earns a point for the Sonny Allen Special, home runs that are hit over the short fence in right field. A second point is awarded to the scenery around the ballpark that sets it apart from other venues in college baseball. The last point is for the left field line view from the hill that allows fans to bring out blankets and lawn chairs during warm evenings, another nice touch to the stadium experience. Final Thoughts Sonny Allen Field is a ballpark worth visiting if you find yourself in the Eastern hills of Kentucky. It does not provide the same game day experience as nearby Kentucky or Louisville ballparks but is on par with other Ohio Valley Conference venues. If you are looking for a bare-bones and baseball-only night at the ballpark, check out a game at Allen Field. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.42 Schweickert Stadium 2600 Plank Rd. Peru, IL 61354 Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp website Schweickert Stadium website Year Opened: 2023 Capacity: 2,200 Pistol Shrimp Making a Home in the Illinois Valley The Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp are members of the summer collegiate Prospect League and play their home games at Schweickert Stadium at Veterans Memorial Park in Peru, Illinois. The stadium's name comes from the Schweickert family, which donated $500,000 towards an investment into the stadium. The P-Shrimp began operations at Benedictine University's baseball stadium in Niles, Illinois, in 2019. After COVID-19 canceled the season, the club found a new home 100 miles west in Peru. The problem was that there wasn’t a suitable stadium; it was only a diamond and a few metal bleachers. That did not deter team management as they began constructing a stadium while, at the same time, not charging admission to fans. In 2023, a 575-seat grandstand and press box were built, featuring a brick backstop, a concession stand, and dugouts. Future phases of the project include sinking the dugouts, adding permanent bathrooms, extending the bleacher seating and enlarging the concession stands, and a new scoreboard. What the Pistol Shrimp have is a grass-roots ballpark that offers an experience nestled into the community it surrounds. Also, the team is named for its enlarged claw, capable of producing a loud snapping sound to stun its prey much larger. Food & Beverage 3 The concession stand is no bigger than what you would find at a high school football stadium. It serves popcorn, nachos, pretzels, chips, candy, Pepsi products, and frozen treats: ice cream, sherbert, and novelty ice cream. The prices range from $3 to $5 apiece. A few food trucks make up the rest of the food choices behind the main grandstand. Tony’s Butt Shack has a menu consisting of pulled pork sandwiches, hillbilly nachos, loaded mac, and cheese, pulled pork parfait, and hot dogs. A pretzel truck featured long lines of customers ordering plain, cinnamon/sugar and garlic soft pretzels and fresh squeezed lemonade. A beer garden serves draft and canned beer and cocktails. A few highlights include the official team beer Short Hop Golden Ale, Tangled Roots Sieur De Lager, Miller, and Coors Light, Truly, White Claw, and Twisted Tea. The cocktails include Pistol Punch, High Fly Ball, and Vodka Slushies. Atmosphere 4 A Pistol Shrimp game is a different experience from most Prospect League games. The stadium looks more like a Division II ballpark, perhaps a little nicer than a few Division I ballparks, and the atmosphere rivals that of a Little League game. The surrounding area features grassy areas and tall corn fields. The grandstand has seating for 500 fans, while the stadium itself can hold up to 2,000 fans on additional bleachers, standing-room-only areas, and grassy areas where lawn chairs and blankets are encouraged. The plastic theater-style chairs still have the fresh smell of plastic, and the brick backstop adds a nice touch to the stadium. The PA announcer encourages fans to look in their game program for the lucky number, 50/50 raffle tickets, and player information. Kids run around in groups chasing foul balls or standing next to the fence to get a glimpse of the players. In-between promotions include younger fans dancing, dressing up like Elvis, and answering trivia questions. Neighborhood 2 The ballpark is not within walking distance of restaurants or lodging but is only a short drive from I-80 or other parts of town. Locals recommend visiting Lou’s La Grotto for pizza, the Uptown Grill for fine dining, the Country House for hearty meals, and Verucchi’s Ristorante for Italian cuisine. Mickey’s Massive Burritos is located in neighboring La Salle and is home to burritos, tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, and drinks. Fans 4 There are many types of fans at a Pistol Shrimp game, including the diehards watching the game from the stands while keeping score, the parents enjoying a night out with friends while their kids run around the stadium, and the younger fans who enjoy a baseball and food with friends. Access 4 The ballpark is less than 2 miles south of I-80 at the Plank Road exit. There is ample parking in front of the stadium, and the entrance is in the left-field corner. A bulk of the bathrooms are located in port-a-potties way down the right field line and behind the grandstand. Soon, to be replaced with a further phase of renovations. Return on Investment 4 Admission to all games is free, and prices for concession foods range between $3-$5, but they are limited. The food truck options are a little higher but much better in quality, from $12-$14. The beer garden offers a range of beer, seltzers, and cocktails between $4 to $6. Merchandise runs $30 for a ball cap and $25 for a t-shirt. The team has a variety of items, but they are limited in size. Extras 3 The Pistol Shrimp earns a point for offering free admission to all games, having a fun and exciting mascot seen throughout the game, and providing a community-based experience at the ballpark during the summer months of June and July. Final Thoughts The Prospect League has its share of ballpark experience, from former minor league venues to community ballparks. Schweickert Stadium falls somewhere in between as a living structure that should change in the years to come. The fans, free tickets, and small-town setting make it worth a visit somewhere between the stadiums of Rockford , Normal , and Joliet . ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Stephan Hoogerwaard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 San Siro Via Piccolomini 5 Milan, Lombardy 20151 Italy AC Milan website San Siro website Year Opened: 1926 Capacity: 80,018 Si Si Si San Siro Since 1926, the San Siro stadium in the city of Milan has been the home of Italian football club AC Milan. The stadium was built in 1925 and was named after the district of San Siro, which is a district located in the west of Milan. On the September 19, 1926 the stadium was opened in front of 35,000 spectators with a match between AC Milan and fellow citizens Internazionale (Inter Milan). As ground sharing is not uncommon in Italy, Internazionale decided back in the late 1950’s to play their home matches in this stadium as well. In 1979 the name of the stadium was officially renamed Stadio Giuseppe Meazza. It was named after club legend and football player Giuseppe Meazza. Meazza played for both Milan clubs but won the most trophies for Internazionale. The name change of the stadium was very controversial. Supporters of AC Milan, never accepted the new name and still call their stadium San Siro. For the 1990 World Cup, the stadium was renovated at a cost of 60 million euros. The stadium was given a third tier and around the stadium appeared 11 round reinforced concrete towers which function as stairs. There was also a roof added on the stadium, which had been uncovered since the opening back in 1926. The four corner towers (each 51 metres high) support the gigantic roof with its distinctive red iron framework making the stadium a real landmark. During the 1990 World Cup the stadium hosted six matches including the opening match of the tournament between Cameroon and Argentina. The San Siro stadium has been labelled by the UEFA as a five star stadium and was awarded to host several Champions League finals. The stadium is also used for concerts and other events. The world’s biggest pop stars (like Madonna, The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, U2 and Robbie Williams) have played at the San Siro. The current capacity of the San Siro stadium is 80,018 seats. Food & Beverage 3 There is plenty of space around the stadium and many stalls where you can drink or eat something before the match, forming a ring around the stadium. There are stalls which serve beer or sodas and there are other stalls which serve hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza slices and panini (prepared sandwiches). We paid just 3 euro, for quite a large ham and cheese sandwich, and ate our sandwich during the halftime break. Inside the ground, at the very small counters underneath the stands, the choice of food and drinks is rather poor. They serve drinks like coffee, soda and beer, and crisps, peanuts and various candy bars. I can’t see how these small counters can serve 80,000 people when the stadiums is sold out. Atmosphere 5 Despite the impressive size of the San Siro, the stadium is actually very compact and the stands are steep and close to the pitch. From each position you have an excellent view on the pitch. With its four concrete towers supporting the gigantic roof structure, the San Siro is one of my favourite stadiums in Europe. All the seats inside the ground are coloured and have a backing. Each section of the ground has its own colour of seats (red, green, orange or blue). Only the Santiago Bernabeu stadium of Real Madrid can top the San Siro stadium in terms of comfort and atmosphere in my experience. Neighborhood 3 The San Siro stadium is located in the western part of the city Milan in the district of San Siro. This is a rather quiet residential area which does not have many restaurants to offer. It’s better to eat in the city centre before going to the match. At the Lotto-metro station and nearby squares you can find plenty of restaurants. There is also a McDonalds and a Chinese restaurant (Ri Xin). We decided to eat at Pizerria Don Clemente (two minutes walking from the Lotto-metro station at the Via Bianchi Mosè). It’s quite a large restaurant. On the menu are various kinds of pizza, pastas, steaks and even swordfish. The pizzas are OK, but not more than that. Fans 5 AC Milan supporters are very loyal. In the Serie A (top of Italian League football) they fill their stadium each match with an average of 45,000 fans. The most fanatic supporters are housed in the south section (Curva Sud) of the San Siro stadium. There are many fan groups from all over the country who support AC Milan. The most fanatic and biggest fan groups are the ‘Brigata Rossenere’ (Red and Black Brigade) and the ‘Fossa dei Leoni’ (the Lions’ Den). These fans are called Ultras and are very vocal and support their club during the whole match with flags, banners and sometimes pyrotechnics. Unfortunately, there were no pyrotechnics involved during this match as I had experienced before at my travels to Paris Saint-Germain and FC Schalke 04. The away fans are housed in a segregated section from the upper tier of the Curva Nord. Access 4 The easiest way to get from the city centre to the stadium is by metro. You need Metro M1 – red line and get off at the Lotto-metro station. After the 20 minute ride, you need to walk for another 20 minutes. You can also get a free bus transfer on match days to the stadium, but then you will miss all the people gathering and walking towards the stadium. Along this route there are many souvenir and food stalls. You can also take tram 16 from the city centre which brings you just in front of the stadium (stop Rospigliosi Axum). Return on Investment 5 You can expect a great day out at the San Siro stadium. The walk to the stadium helps to build the anticipation and overall atmosphere. Outside the stadium there is a lot of activity going on, so there is no need to get into the stadium early. The stadium itself is impressive and one of Europe’s finest. We paid just 37 euro for our seat on the 2nd tier at the long side of the pitch. From here you will have a great view of the action on the field and in the Curva Sud. Extras 4 The San Siro Museum is the first museum in Italy to be housed inside a stadium. In the cinema hall of the museum you can see a fascinating movie about Milan, Inter and the history of the San Siro stadium. When the ground is not use it is possible to have a guided tour around all the parts of the stadium including the museum, trophy room, dressing room and you can visit the stands. The cost of this guided tour is rather expensive as you have to pay € 14 for an adult. These daily stadium tours are given in both Italian and English. There are reduced ticket prices for this tour (and for match tickets) for children under 14 years of age and for fans who are over 65 years of age. Final Thoughts When you stay a couple of days in Milan for a city trip and you have seen all the highlights like Il Duomo, the Castello Sforzesco, and the Scala and you are finished shopping then consider going to the San Siro stadium. You can book a stadium tour or you can visit a football match for either AC Milan or Internazionale (or even better, for the derby match between the two). This is it where you can experience the true Italian culture. There is no doubt that after one visit, you will want to come back for more.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Warner Park 1625 Northport Dr Madison, WI 53704 Madison Mallards website Warner Park website Year Opened: 1982 Capacity: 6,750 Welcome to the Duck Pond The Madison Mallards have been providing their brand of baseball fun since 2001. The club has continuously led all summer collegiate baseball in average attendance figures and has upgraded its home ballpark Warner Field to improve the game day atmosphere. The venue, dubbed The Duck Pond, has become a destination for fans in Madison. Warner Park was built in 1982 for the Oakland A’s Class-A affiliate Madison Muskies. The team never averaged more than 2,000 fans a game but began to slide from 1987-1993. The following year Madison Hatters debuted by relocating after the season. The independent Madison Black Wolf came to call the park home from 1996-2000. The Mallards began operations in 2001 and have never looked back, with attendance records hovering over 6,000 fans per game. The team has also added various renovations that have included The Duck Blind in right field, The Backyard seating behind the left field, a souvenir shop, new concession stands, seating from Baltimore’s Camden Yards, and a VIP deck behind home plate. Food & Beverage 5 The Duck Pond has plenty of food and beverages to wet any fan’s whistle at the game. The main concession stands are located beyond the home plate grandstand and with a specialty price ticket in The Duck Blind. The Festival Food Grill stands are directly behind the grandstand and feature hot dogs, burgers, brats, cheese curds, and specialty brats. The Stellar burger is served on a cheese bun with blue cheese crumbles, bacon, charred jalapenos, and Carolina barbecue sauce. The specialty brat during our visit was a Jamaican jerk brat. There is also a black bean veggie burger offered at the concession stand. A few feet away are three unique stands built out of truck containers: Let’s Get Fried, Dinger Donuts, and I’d Smoke That. The three concession stands are identifiable by their colorful neon signs. Dinger Donuts offers powdered mini donuts served in a novelty helmet with a choice of toppings. Let’s Get Fried serves boneless chicken wings, cheese curds, fried chicken sandwiches, and fries. I’d Smoked That offers pulled pork and beef brisket sandwiches, half-rack of ribs, sides of mac and cheese, cornbread, cole slaw, and corn on the cob. The beer selection includes 21 varieties of both macro and micro brews and can be found behind the main grandstand and in The Duck Blind. The macro beers include Michelob Ultra, Bud Light, Labatt Blue, Blue Moon, and Busch Light. The micro beers are from Potosi, One Barrel Brewing Company, O’so, Vintage, Elysian, Bell’s, and Blake Hard Cider. Fans can order them by the pint, 32-ounce, or a 67-ounce Duck Foot Boot. Fans also enjoy BOGO on beers for an inning if the beer batter on the opposing team strikes out. Pepsi products are available for those who do not drink. Atmosphere 5 A Mallards game is advertised as a nine-inning vacation, and that begins in the left-field corner. Fans wait in line before the gates open and are greeted by the players and team mascot. They continue their walk towards the grandstand, passing by a kids’ play zone, concession stands, and local business table and tents. The main grandstand is decked out with a covered press box, VIP seating area, table-top seating from Camden Yards, and protective netting from foul pole to foul pole. A little further down the left-field corner is the Duck Blind, where specially-priced tickets allow fans inclusive food and beverage options. The triple deck area also features private suites, rooftop seating, and a field-level area directly behind right field where fans enjoy the game from repurposed seating. Behind the press box is an area where fans purchase food from the main concession areas with three new eateries: Dinger Donuts, I’d Smoked That, and Let’s Get Fried. You can purchase 21 drafts of beer from Short Hops next door. Fans looking to take it a little bit easy on game night can enjoy the game from the expanded grass seating area called The Backyard. The seats are near the scoreboard, lit up in green, and offer access to the ballpark for food and drink. Neighborhood 3 Warner Park is on the northeast side of town near Lake Mendota. It is inside a community park and across the street from a strip mall and Beef Butter BBQ. There are a few regional and national chain restaurants within a few miles of the ballpark. Downtown Madison is 5 miles south. Visitors can walk up and down State Street, a pedestrian-only sidewalk, and enjoy a few local college hangouts and small restaurants. State Street Brats is a popular location, and at certain times of the day, you can flip a coin to determine the price of your beer. Just a block away is the Memorial Union sightseers sit along Lake Mendota and watch the sunset along benches, colorful chairs, and from the various piers. There are small food stands selling food and drink to enjoy the sunset in the distance across the lake. It is recommended to relish this summertime tradition in Madison. Visitors can bike and enjoy walking trails around the lake or hop on a kayak or boat during the warm summer months. The Capitol Observation Deck offers fantastic views of the lake and the city. The Madison Night Market showcases handmade products, gifts, and live music. Maxwell Street Days is a street festival in July offering sidewalk sales. Madison Forward FC plays their home matches at Breese-Stevens Field just north of downtown to frenzy crowds in the historic venue. The USL League One season overlaps the Mallards season from June through August. Fans 5 The Mallards fans are among the best in all of baseball. They continue to pack the Duck Pond with 6,000-plus or more fans each game. The fan's dedication is observed, with many tailgating in the parking lot before the game and several more waiting in line to be the first to walk through the gates. Access 4 Warner Park was constructed when there was nothing much but the metal grandstand. The Mallards have built around it and have freed up much-needed space behind the main concession area. There are two entrances at both ends of right and left field, a middle concourse in the seating bowl, and plenty of signage to direct fans to their seats and other sections of the ballpark. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices to Mallards games are very affordable. The lowest price tickets in section 608, or only $6.08. Ticket prices increase to $10 for seating in the backyard, $13 for terrace seating, $15 for dugout seats, and $18 for scout seats. Duck Blind tickets are $26 or $38 from Sunday to Wednesday and $38 and $45 from Thursday to Saturday, depending on whether you're drinking beer or soda. There is no charge for parking, concession prices are somewhat affordable, and souvenir prices are in line with minor league clubs across the country. The team offers promotional nights from Bark on the Park Wednesdays to Mark in the Park, where anyone named Mark can participate in a pre-game parade. Click the link for more information. Extras 4 The Duck Blind might have been the first all-you-can-eat-and-drink section in baseball. It is now common throughout the game, but the party section in the right field corner is still impressive with its brat of the game and selection of local craft beer. Players greet fans at the main entrance in the left-field corner of the ballpark. Fans then enjoy a stroll down a carnival-like trail filled with mascots, tents, a kids' play area, and local businesses hocking prizes. This is how you should greet your fans. The Mallards have taken an old erector set of a ballpark discarded by the minor and independent leagues and turned it into the place to be for the summertime in Madison. The Ducks have added many touches: neon signs for concession stands, a refurbished souvenir shop, and various spots to enjoy the game. The staff is welcoming, friendly, and accommodating. If there are questions, a Mallards representative is not far away. Also, they will be on the lookout for anyone who has trouble finding a seat or looking for a specific spot. Final Thoughts The Madison Mallards might be the OG's of packing in exciting crowds in summer collegiate baseball. Before the Savannah Bananas brought record numbers to their ballpark, the Mallards were among the leaders in baseball in average attendance numbers at Warner Park. This last trip did not disappoint, and The Pond is still one of the best experiences a fan can have in not just the Northwoods League but all of baseball during the summer months. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos Courtesy of Donny Wise. If you have been to Columbia, South Carolina, you might have noticed that Capital City Stadium is still standing. The former home of both minor league and summer collegiate baseball hasn’t hosted a game since 2014, and the site was supposed to have been in the finishing stages of a redevelopment plan. However, those plans changed when Weddle Real Estate pulled out of the plan to build a 310-apartment unit and 20,000-square-foot retail in December after it bought the land for $1.6 million in June 2019. The complex would have been called The Ballpark, but the pandemic, the resulting high-interest rates, and the even higher cost of materials have paused the project for the time being. There is also the solution of devising a way to keep stormwater off the property that's located in a flood plain. Weddle received tax incentives from the city and county and had a $5.4 million flood radiation plan, including off-site measures to control stormwater runoff in nearby streams. Another reason the structure still stands is city officials are debating whether to raze it or let it stand until another deal arrives. The stadium is eligible for state abandoned building tax credits if a developer decides to preserve it. Bulldozing the grandstand and building would mean losing the incentive. It is the third attempt to convert the site for life after baseball. In 2011, a proposed Walmart was turned down, and in 2017, Kroger pulled out of placing a supermarket because it housed baseball for 87 years in Columbia. There was always talk about the stadium’s last day, even during my lone visit in July 2013. The ballpark has lived many lives; it first opened as Dreyfuss Park after the Pittsburgh Pirates owner personally financed the construction. It was renamed Capital City Park in 1946 but was knocked down in 1972 after a decade without minor league baseball. It was rebuilt in 1983 for the arrival of the Columbia Mets and reconstructed one last time in 1991. That current structure hosted baseball by the Mets, Capital City Bombers, or Blowfish until 2014. It is also that same structure that stands in ruins with tattered signage from the Blowfish days, overgrown grass, and weeds popping through the concrete. A walk through the concourse displays a crumbling facade, tangled ivy, graffiti-painted walls, and rotting wood. The home and away dugouts also feature graffiti, and the press box area is boarded up with wooden planks in the windows. The place looks like any other ballpark would be after its main tenant relocated almost a decade ago. The city and area have other ballparks to watch baseball at Segra Park in the Bullstreet District opened in 2016 and is home to the Columbia Fireflies. The Blowfish relocated to nearby Lexington and now play at Lexington County Blowfish Stadium, and South Carolina Gamecocks fans have been enjoying games at Founders Park since 2009. However, the area’s old and cranky ballpark still refuses to call it quits, and there's no telling when it will finally meet the wrecking ball. Perhaps the failed redevelopment is a sign that it should be left as a baseball or sports-related complex, albeit on a much smaller scale. Could it be cleaned up and revamped for a soccer-specific field or city or high school sports? It is easy for this reporter to say that it’s not my money going into the planning. There have been other abandoned ballparks brought back to life. Joe Davis Stadium in Huntsville, Alabama, was rechristened as Wicks Family Field and houses Huntsville City FC of MLS Next Pro. The Double-A Huntsville Stars left after the 2014 season and welcomed the new soccer team this year to the city. There have been a lot of baseball memories invested at Capital City Park dating back almost a century. The site has been home to three separate structures, but many spring and summer nights were spent enjoying a minor league game or other baseball-related event. For some it’s an eyesore, to others, it’s an old friend just hanging out where they always have just down the street. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Legacy Arena 1001 19th Street North Birmingham, AL 35203 Birmingham Squadron website Legacy Arena website Year Opened: 1976 Capacity: 17,654 Establishing A Legacy For Years To Come Legacy Arena was originally known as the BJCC Coliseum, opening in 1976. The arena reopened in mid-2022 under its new name, after a $123 million renovation. It is a virtually brand-new venue, as it underwent massive changes to its lobby, seating bowl, and electronics package. The new lobby includes a massive glass wall to allow in much more natural light. The new entrance fronts the corner of 9th Avenue and 19th Street North. The seating bowl has been reconstructed with the installation of 17,654 new seats and a new video board measuring 18’ X 18’ on each of its four sides. Club level and suite seating were added as part of the renovation. Legacy Arena is a part of the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex (BJCC). In addition to the arena, this complex includes the new Protective Stadium, the Uptown Entertainment District and the BJCC Concert Hall, the BJCC Theatre, and the BJCC Exhibition Hall. The newest tenant at Legacy Arena is the Birmingham Squadron. The Squadron is the G League affiliate of the New Orleans Pelicans. The team moved to Birmingham in time to play in the 2021-2022 G League season. The Birmingham team derives its name from the fact that a flock of pelicans is known as a “squadron.” Food & Beverage 4 The Legacy Arena has several concessions stands located along the concourse at the top of the lower seating bowl. They all operate on a cashless basis. The Anvil Grill, the Bridges Café, and 421 Eats serve the typical arena fare. This includes cheeseburger w/fries ($12), beyond burgers ($15), chicken tenders w/fries ($12), hot dogs ($5), French fries ($5), pretzels ($5), nachos w/cheese ($5), popcorn ($4), candy ($4). These stands sell Coca-Cola brand sodas ($6), Powerade ($6), and bottled water ($5). Crossroads Chicken Company sells a spicy chicken sandwich ($12) and a chicken tender basket ($12). The Sloss Smokehouse offers a pulled pork sandwich ($11) and BBQ nachos ($11). Alcoholic beverages are available at three locations. Lady Electra serves cocktails ($13), domestic draft beers ($9), premium draft beers ($10), domestic canned beers ($8), and premium canned beers $10. Wine by the glass is also served for $9. Boxcar Brewhouse and the Steel Town Tap Room offer a revolving set of craft beers from breweries in and around the Birmingham area. Atmosphere 5 The recent renovations at Legacy Arena have resulted in a nearly brand-new facility. Fans enter the facility from the heavily landscaped entrance plaza. The entrance lobby is several stories high with a wall of all windows to bring light into the facility. Legacy Arena Lobby, Photo by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey The Squadron team store is immediately on your right as you enter the lobby. It carries a wide variety of team merchandise. To get up to the arena and its seating bowl you take a set of escalators. This brings you to the concourse level. The Squadron only utilizes the lower seating level, which means every seat in the arena is close to the court. The concourse is open to the seating bowl, so you can still see the action if you are in line at a concession stand. The concourses are wide and easy to navigate. The concession stands are spaced out around the concourse and are frequent enough that the service is very quick, and you should not expect much of a wait at the concession stand. The signage is excellent, and you should have no problem finding a seat. The Squadron has an attractive basketball court, which features blue and red graphics along the baselines and at the midcourt. The center-hung video board features game action, as well as information on upcoming events. It features four screens, so fans can see the information clearly, no matter where their seats are. The electronics package also includes ribbon boards on the facing of the upper-level seats. Breaks in the action are filled with fan participation games, and the antics of Commander, the Squadron’s pelican mascot. Neighborhood 4 The area surrounding the Legacy Arena is known as Uptown ( www.uptownbham.com ). This is a major entertainment district located just north and west of the I-20/I-59 interchange in downtown Birmingham. It includes sports venues. concert halls, bars, and restaurants. Two restaurants in the nearby Uptown complex to check out our Mugshots Bar and Grill and Eugene’s Hot Chicken. The Alabama Sports Hall of Fame is located adjacent to the Legacy Arena. Both the Westin and Sheraton Birmingham are located across the street from the venue. Access to the Uptown area has been greatly improved through the completion of improvements to the I-20/I-59 interchange and the completion of the City Walk BHAM Pedestrian Park. Fans 2 The Squadron is slowly building a fanbase in a city that has been defined by a long heritage of football and baseball glory taking place in Birmingham. Basketball is competing with a football history that includes Auburn- Alabama games at Legion Field and Birmingham Barons baseball games going back more than 100 years. Birmingham’s history with basketball includes only the early UAB basketball teams of Gene Bartow. The team and the G League are working together to reach families and youth that are big fans of the NBA as a core fanbase. It is not unusual to see several youth groups in the crowd on weekends and there is definite evidence that this strategy is working, as attendance has begun to pick up. The Squadron is also marketing to patrons of the adjoining Uptown dining and entertainment as an early night option (games are at 7 pm). The hope is that couples will attend a game and then walk over to finish their evening at their favorite restaurant or watering hole. Access 4 Fans should have no problem getting to and around Legacy Arena, regardless of which direction they are coming from. The arena sits just north and east of the interchange between I-20/I-59 and I-65. Several multi-lane avenues form the perimeter of the facility. The gates open one hour before tipoff, leaving you plenty of time to get to your seats. Once you arrive at the arena, the access is extremely well laid out. The initial security area for inspecting bags is located well before where the tickets are scanned. Multiple doors are open at the building’s base, and the lines move very quickly. After riding up the escalator, you will see that the concourse is very wide and easy to navigate, Signage is excellent, and you should have no problem finding your seat. Return on Investment 3 The concession prices at Legacy Arena are in line with most pro franchises but are higher than average for a market like Birmingham. A family of four could spend more than $150 just for food at a Squadron game. Parking is readily available in and around the Legacy Arena, although it does not have parking of its own. There are more than 10,000 parking spots within a 10-minute walk of the arena. Fans can go to the Waze app and identify parking lots that are convenient for them. The prices can be as high as $35 or could be as low as free in one of the limited parking spaces along the streets near the arena. All services at the Legacy Arena are provided on a cashless basis. . Extras 3 In 2023 the Legacy Arena will host the first and second rounds of the 2023 Men’s NCAA Basketball Tournament. The games will be held on March 16 and 18, 2023. Several events of the 2022 World Games took place at the Legacy Arena in July 2022. Since reopening after the renovation, the arena has hosted concerts by Kane Brown, Kirk Franklin, Jason Aldean, Greta Van Fleet, and Machine Gun Kelly. Final Thoughts Legacy Arena’s renovation provides the crowning jewel in the redevelopment of the Uptown area of downtown Birmingham. Its’ proximity to the many restaurants and entertainment options in the Uptown District, as well as Protective Stadium, makes it an attractive choice for sports fans. It is no surprise that it has already been booked as one of the regional sites for the NCAA Basketball Tournament.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Danbury Ice Arena 1 Independence Way Danbury, CT 06810 Danbury Jr. Hat Tricks website Danbury Ice Arena website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 3,000 Hat City Junior Hockey The former Scranton/Wilkes Barre Knights of the Tier II junior North American Hockey League relocated to Danbury, CT for the 2020-21 season. The team came under the umbrella of DP 110 LLC, the owners of the Danbury Ice Arena, who also own the Danbury Hat Tricks of the Federal Prospects Hockey League and the Danbury Jr. Hat Tricks of the Tier III NA3HL. No story about hockey in Danbury and more specifically, the Danbury Ice Arena, can be told without first mentioning James Galante and the Danbury Trashers. In 2004 Galante was awarded an expansion hockey team in the United Hockey League. Needing a place to play, he renovated the local community rink, the Danbury Ice Arena, using three million dollars of his own money. He named the team the Trashers after his waste management company and installed his 17-year-old son A.J. as general manager. The roster resembled something from the movie Slap Shot, and the team soon became known for their physical, intimidating style of play and frenzied fan support. Unfortunately, things unraveled when Galante became the focus of an FBI investigation for fraud, extortion, racketeering, tax fraud and conspiracy. The Trashers were found to be guilty of salary cap violations, and the team folded when Galante was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison. Sports Illustrated , ESPN and the Atlantic have done features on the Galantes and the Trashers, and rumors circulate that there is a movie in the works about the Trashers . Food & Beverage 4 *Stadium Journey took in a game in the COVID-ravaged 2020-21 season. At the time of our visit, the concession stands were not open. For purposes of this review, we will try to reflect normal operations at DIA. If you visit during the 2020-21 season, some drinks are sold at the front desk. Fans are welcome to bring in their own snacks. Community rinks often have sneaky-good concession options, and the Danbury Ice Arena is no exception. With the facility in use almost continuously, the need for all kinds of snack and beverage options is obvious. The “Rabbit Hole” does not disappoint. The menu offers a good variety of arena fare, including hot dogs, burgers, chicken fingers, pizza slices, chicken strips, nachos and Jersey Mike’s subs. Any item can be turned into a combo meal with the addition of fries and a drink. Fans looking for just a snack can choose from pretzels, popcorn, mozzarella sticks and French fries. Fans looking for something simpler can select from an array of cookies, candy, pop-tarts and numerous other snacks. Coca-Cola products are featured at the Danbury Ice Arena in both fountain and bottled form. Fans looking for an adult beverage can select from a wide selection of beers and mixed drinks at both the concession window and the Rabbit Hole bar in the lobby. Budweiser, Bud Light, Amstel Light and Coors are available on draft. Connecticut hockey fans will definitely want to try the New Haven Nighthawk Light beer sold at the Rabbit Hole bar. Atmosphere 3 *Stadium Journey visited DIA during the 2020-21 season with coronavirus restrictions in place. Limited crowd size and social distancing were in effect during our visit. The gameday staff at the Danbury Ice Arena put on your typical minor league hockey experience. The small size of the facility does affect what they can do, but Danbury hockey fans are known for their frenzied support of their local teams. Although the halcyon days of the Trashers are long gone and the atmosphere is much more relaxed and family friendly, there is no shortage of enthusiasm for the home team. New scoreboards on either end of the rink display basic game stats. The long-dormant video board on the north end of the rink is now finally operational, but it severely underused. With many events going on simultaneously at this community rink, there is a serious buzz at the Danbury Arena. In addition to games and/or public skating at the two rinks, there is a full-service bar (see above), an arcade, and if the website is to be believed, an axe-throwing bar is planned and there is even live music at times in the lobby. Neighborhood 3 Danbury is a small city with a population of just over 85,000 located on the Connecticut/New York state line. For a while in the late 19th and early 20th centuries Danbury was known as the center of the American Hat Industry. In 2015 USA Today named Danbury as the second-best city to live in the United States. The Danbury Ice Arena is located downtown, near several points of interest for visitors. The Danbury Railway Museum is located nearby, as is the campus of Western Connecticut State University. Fans looking for a good pregame spot to eat should check out Two Steps Downtown Grille located near the arena, or TK’s American Café, which features over 70 flavors of chicken wings. Fans 3 With 2020-21 being the inaugural season for the Jr. Hat Tricks, it’s difficult to get an accurate gauge on attendance at this point. The team opened up for a limited number of fans late in the season, and early response appears strong. Fans in attendance appear to have a strong connection with the team, either as billet families or fans of the other Danbury teams. Many fans already sport the orange and black of the Jr. Hat Tricks, as the branding across the three teams owned by the arena group is identical. Access 3 *COVID precautions are front and center during Hat Trick games in 2020-21. All guests are required to sign a COVID liability waiver. Capacity is limited to about 200 fans. Several rows of seating are blocked off and social distancing is in effect throughout the building. Masks must be worn at all times in DIA. The city of Danbury is located in southwestern Connecticut on the New York State line. New York City is located about 70 miles to the southwest, and Hartford is located 60 miles to the northeast. The Connecticut coastal cities of New Haven and Bridgeport are about 30 miles to the south. Interstate 84 passes through Danbury about 2 miles from Danbury Ice Arena. The rink is well-connected to public transportation, with several routes of the Housatonic Area Regional Transit system running near the facility. The Metro North Railway has a stop near the Arena, connecting passengers to south coast Connecticut cities and New York City. For fans driving to Danbury, there is ample parking in the Terrence E. McNally Patriot Garage across the street from the facility. The Danbury Ice Arena consists of two rinks, so the facility is in constant use. Fans coming to see a Hat Trick game will enter into the main concourse, where a table selling tickets and merchandise is located. The facility is a busy one, with youth hockey, birthday parties, public skating and even live music all going on at the same time. Fans enter the arena at ice level, with the majority of the seating located on the opposite side of the ice. Seating consists of metal bleachers, with some sections covered by molded plastic. There are some seating sections, including a luxury box, on the near side of the facility. These sections are located above the ice and are accessible via staircases in the lobby. Seats in these 200-level sections offer obstructed views of the ice surface. Visiting fans may be interested in the two humorously small seating sections at one end of the rink. Section 108 seats a whopping four fans! There is a good amount of standing room available around the ice surface, which fills up quickly. With all the activity going on at DIA, the lobby can get crowded at times and long lines may form during intermission. Restrooms in the lobby are more than adequate for the needs of the facility. Return on Investment 3 All seats at Danbury Ice Arena for Jr. Hat Trick games are sold as general admission for $17. Parking is available in the Patriot Garage across the street from the arena for $4.50. There is some on-street parking available in the facility for those willing to search for it. The team warns visitors not to park in the surface lots nearby, as these lots practice an aggressive towing policy. Concession prices are reasonable when compared to other facilities in the area. Extras 2 An extra point is awarded for the colorful history of the Danbury Ice Arena. New touches include banners honoring all the teams that have called Danbury home, from the Trashers to the Titans. A second extra point is awarded for the many extra things to do at Danbury Ice Arena, from the arcade to the axe throwing bar to the Rabbit Hole bar. A hockey game may not be the sole focus of your time here. Final Thoughts The Danbury Ice Arena may not be the prettiest or most comfortable place to catch a hockey game, but it sure is a fun place to visit. Danbury is a great hockey city with an interesting past and a promising future. You may come to the Danbury Ice Arena for a hockey game, but you may end up staying for any number of reasons. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Limeport Stadium 1488 Limeport Pike Coopersburg, PA 18036 Blue Mountain League website Limeport Stadium website Year Opened: 1933 Capacity: 1.070 A Hidden Treasure in Limeport, Pa. Somewhere through the rolling hills and farmland hides Limeport Stadium, a historic ballpark that's been home to amateur and high school baseball since 1933. Its capacity is 1,100 and was the brainchild of Howard “Lefty” Fegley, a local dairy farmer who had such a passion for the game that he employed 75-100 workers at a rate of 10-14 cents an hour to construct a ballpark adjacent to his home and dairy farm. The final cost of the stadium has been debated at between $22,000 to $75,000. It was constructed to resemble Shibe Park in Philadelphia and to meet the growing need for baseball in the community. The stadium was built to last and no expense was spared; its solid brick structure, metal trusses, curved covered grandstand, and framed windows have virtually remained unchanged since its opening day. On July 30, 1933, the Limeport Milkmen of the East Penn Baseball League played in front of an overflow crowd of 4,000 fans. The highly competitive amateur league would operate until 1950, but perish along with many other leagues around this era. However, baseball of the high school, tournament, and amateur varieties would continue to play inside Fegley’s palace. There are well over 100 games played annually from late March to early September in Limeport, Pennsylvania. The stadium maintains its objective of providing amateur baseball in the Lehigh Valley. The Limeport Bulls and Dodgers of the Blue Mountain League, Southern Lehigh Senior High School, Central Catholic High School, and Connie Mack Baseball League operate out of Limeport Stadium from April to September. Limeport Stadium Incorporated owns and maintains the stadium; a non-profit organization of over fifty volunteers who handle everything from cutting the grass to cleaning the bathrooms. In 1990, the LSI saved the facility when it was in danger of seizure by the IRS due to unpaid taxes and penalties. The organization is coming close to meeting its objective of collecting $275,000 for new lights at the stadium that have been in use since 1984. Food & Beverage 4 Limeport Stadium has a concession stand underneath the grandstand that offers more than one would expect at this level of baseball. Fans can enjoy hot dogs, peanuts, and soda; but also beef jerky, corn dogs, deep-fried pierogies, and chicken nuggets. The concession stand offers candy and ice cream for dessert. However, if looking for a beer, good luck elsewhere; the stadium is alcoholic-free. Atmosphere 4 Limeport Stadium is an original with original wood seats, windows, doors, a covered grandstand, and a brick exterior. It exists off a two-lane road surrounded by houses, a grass parking lot, and a row of corn stalks behind the wooden fence in left field. Its most striking display of might is the center field wall looming 485 feet from home plate. Six small pine trees serve as the batter’s eye with a flagpole as the centerpiece that is in play. There is also a large incline in the outfield due to a large boulder underneath the field that was too expensive to level during the stadium’s construction. The steep slope in the outfield might be the largest incline in a ballpark, amateur or professional, in the country. The stadium has seen a few renovations this decade to improve the fan experience and access. The new entrance to the seating area was moved behind home plate and replaced the 17-stair climb to the top row of the stadium in 2011; the following year the concession stand expanded to the ground floor near the entrance from atop the main stands underneath the roof. Fans are completely covered underneath the grandstand roof houses nine rows of green-painted wood seats that feature fans on the ceiling and a small booth for public announcements. The seats are as old as the stadium and sometimes need replacing, 900 of the 1,070 seats remain. Neighborhood 3 The stadium is located on farmland and sprawling hills 10 miles from the bustling towns of Allentown, however, the area feels miles away from the commercial and interstate traffic of the rest of the Lehigh Valley. The Limeport Inn is a trendy restaurant, featuring appetizers of cornmeal fried calamari, duck confit taquitos, and mussels from Prince Edward Island, and for dinner rack of lamb, scallops, and steak options. The outdoor patio is perfect on a warm, summer day and is an ideal place to eat before the game. Fans 3 There is an array of fans who are there to watch friends and family members on the ballfield, but also many who enjoy watching an amateur baseball game in an actual stadium. You can even spot a few wearing Limeport Stadium attire. The stadium is home to the Dodgers and Bulls of the Blue Mountain League, with two area high schools, and the Connie Mack Tournament in late July. There is quite a range of fans who take in games at Limeport Stadium. Access 4 The stadium is 3 miles south of SR-309 and I-78 on the Limeport Pike. It is a scenic drive down the two-lane highway as you approach the ballpark on the right-hand side of the road. Return on Investment 5 Ticket prices are $3 for adults and $1 for children, a small price to pay for any level of baseball in a historic facility. Concession prices are also very affordable along with merchandise that does not cost more than $15. The grass-covered parking lot is ample and free of charge. Extras 4 1 star for the dedicated service of the LSI who put forth an insurmountable amount of time maintaining the ballpark and keeping it up to code for various baseball games throughout the season. Since its inception in 1988, the organization has raised over $100,000 for stadium improvements and renovations. Without their support, the stadium may only exist in both memory and photographs 2 stars for some of the lore that exists at the ballpark including a beagle buried underneath the third base area and the home run that cleared the centerfield fence by Alex Sabo. 3 stars for the original wooden seats that provide a surprising comfort 85 years after they were installed inside the park. Sorry, the seats do not provide cup holders. 4 stars for the giant sloping hill in center field that also creates a topic of conversation during the game, usually a 7-inning affair. The park receives a final point for old photos and news clippings found throughout the stadium. There is a lot of history here and sometimes finding it online is not that easy, thankfully there are a lot of facts and figures about Athletic Park, the Chaska Cubs, and other ball clubs who have played here. Final Thoughts Limeport Stadium is somewhat off the radar of ballparks for many a sports traveler. However, this could be a good thing, since the atmosphere, location, and setting do not feel altered from when Mr. Fegley first played baseball at this site. The ballpark is a pure treat for anyone who enters through its doors and takes a seat underneath its roof. If he were alive today, you could bet he would be smiling that his stadium is still being put to good use. I am sure somewhere he is grinning at this very moment. ----- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .  Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by James Hilchen, Stadium Journey In June 1999, three friends and I boarded a plane from the States to London. We had one plan on that trip: to take in the experience of attending the grand slam tennis event at the All-England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, better known simply as Wimbledon. We attended four days of the event, mostly getting in the queue around 8 AM, which yielded us ground passes. We planned to get there extremely early one day, in hopes of getting Centre Court tickets to see Pete Sampras play. Arriving at the queue at about 3 AM (yes, there was already a long line that winded down the blocks surrounding the venue), we took our place in line, which happened to be on a metal plank that covered some very soggy ground. I can’t recall what time the gates opened. Suffice it to say, we were in for quite a wait. When you are tired (and young), it’s amazing the things you do. We somehow managed to sleep for a few hours lying on said metal plank. Eventually, the gates opened and sadly, we weren’t in line early enough. Centre Court and Court 1 tickets were gone, and we ended up with Court Two tickets. I’m not certain who played on court that day after Anna Kournikova kicked off the day’s play, but the lads and I were able to take position at the top of Court 2 and watched down on Court 3 as Jim Courier and Sjeng Schalken did battle for 4 hours and 24 minutes, a match eventually won by Courier. Twenty-five years later I returned with a family I didn’t have the first time. This time, we weren’t there to see tennis being played, rather we took a tour of the hallowed grounds of Wimbledon. If you are a tennis fan, Wimbledon needs to be on your bucket list. The tour began near Court 17 and our tour guide was a likable fellow who knew the grounds and all the great stories well. There are a few simple rules on the tour. Staying together is one. Rules 2, 3, 4, and 5, do not touch or walk on the grass. After our initial stop at 17, we went to Court 1, which along with Centre Court are the two courts with retractable roofs for the wet British weather. The next stop was a new and pretty remarkable sculpture called The Serving Ace Tree. Sitting outside Court 1, the bronze tree has a trunk that shows a person serving. This has become a popular meeting place for folks during the event. On the north side of Court 1 is a large grassy hill. Fans used to assemble there but it was nothing special for a while. Enter British tennis great, Tim Henman. Henman’s success spawned a throng of tennis fans that couldn’t get on Centre Court when he played. The fans assembled on the hill and Wimbledon put up a large screen for viewing the matches. Henman Hill was born. Over the years the name has changed to fit the current top British players (Rusedski Ridge, Murray Mound, Raducanu Rise, etc.). Whatever you call it, it’s a great place to relax and view the Centre Court action if you can’t get in. Up next was the international broadcast Centre. Wherever you are in the world, if you are watching Wimbledon, this building is the hub of your broadcast. A trip to the roof yields a great view of the grounds including overlooking Court 18, which was having the grass replaced. Court 18 was the site of the longest match in tennis history. In 2010, John Isner defeated Nicolas Mahut in a match that went 11 hours and 5 minutes over three days. The final score set of 70-68 will never be seen again as Wimbledon now has tiebreakers in the 5th set. The final stop on the grounds was Centre Court. Not much needs to be said about this court as it is likely the most heralded tennis court in the world. All the greats have passed through its doors and being a big tennis fan, it wasn’t lost on me that I was sitting where some of the greatest matches in the history of the sport were played. Side note, if you’ve ever wondered how many tennis balls it would take to fill Centre Court with the roof closed, it’s 290 million. You’re welcome! Once the tour was over, a stop at the museum was in order. The museum is replete with the history of the grounds, including posters, rackets, trophies, clothing, etc. A stop at the museum was a great way to end the tour. We had quite an enjoyable few hours. We learned a lot of facts and figures about the venue, how it started, and some of the extraordinary events that occurred on its grounds. The cost is very reasonable at 30 pounds for adults and 20 pounds for kids. The price includes admission to the museum. I’m told tickets are handled differently nowadays and sleeping on a plank isn’t necessary anymore. I’m too old to try that again anyway. If you can’t get to the event, a tour of Wimbledon is a great opportunity to see all there is to see and well worth your time.

January 1, 2024, is a date that has been long awaited by women's hockey fans the world over. For the first time, all the best players in the world will be playing in a single professional league. After years of fractured competition and infighting among subgroups looking to spearhead the premier women's professional league, the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) will begin play when New York and Toronto meet up in the circuit's inaugural game. In all, six teams will compete in 2024, playing in hockey hotbeds throughout the United States and Canada. One of the stated goals of the PWHL was to play in professional-quality venues, as previous leagues had played in smaller rinks and had experienced nomadic existences in many cases. Thus far, the response from fans has been overwhelming, as ticket sales have been strong in the six league cities. Stadium Journey takes a look at the six inaugural venues the teams will be calling home for the 2024 season. Click on the links to view our existing reviews of each venue. We hope to soon be adding reviews of the PWHL game day experiences in each of the six venues to our website. Boston - Tsongas Center - Capacity 6,500 The Tsongas Center is the home of the UMass Lowell RiverHawks and the former home of the American Hockey League's Lowell Lock Monsters and Devils. Located roughly a half hour northwest of Boston, this venue should be a strong draw for fans from the hockey hotbeds north of Boston, including the Merrimack Valley and southern New Hampshire. Even fans located south of the city won't have too hard of a time reaching Lowell by Interstate 495. Minnesota - Xcel Energy Center - Capacity 18,064 The Minnesota entry of the PWHL will play in what is by far the largest venue in the league, the Xcel Energy Center, home of the NHL's Minnesota Wild. They are the only team to be playing in an NHL facility full-time. The upper deck and part of the lower deck will be cordoned off for PWHL games. Minnesota is the only team not located within 400 miles of another team. Montreal - Verdun Auditorium - Capacity 4,114 Located in the Montreal suburb of Verdun, the Auditorium was built in 1938. Over the years it has been home to many squads from the Quebec Major Junior League and other circuits. The Montreal Les Canadiennes of the CWHL were slated to play here before the league folded in 2019. As part of their agreement, significant renovations were undertaken. Four games are scheduled to be played at Place Bell, home of the American Hockey League's Laval Rocket. New York - Total Mortgage Arena - Capacity 8,412 Perhaps the most controversial placement of a team was putting the New York entry in Bridgeport, Connecticut, located 60 miles from New York City. On a good day, the drive will take an hour from downtown New York. Total Mortgage Arena currently serves as the home to the Bridgeport Islanders of the American Hockey League. New York plans to play in venues all around New York City, with 5 games to be played in Bridgeport, 4 at the UBS Arena , home of the NHL's New York Islanders, and three to be determined. Ottawa - TD Place Arena - Capacity 9,862 Home to the Ottawa 67s of the Ontario Hockey League, Ottawa has perhaps shown the strongest ticket sales off the bat, as several games have already sold out at TD Place. TD Place was the site of the original Women's World Hockey Championship in 1990. Toronto - Mattamy Athletic Centre - Capacity 3,850 Perhaps best known as the site of the former Maple Leaf Gardens, Mattamy Athletic Centre is now the home of the Toronto Metropolitan University Bold hockey teams. Shortly after tickets were made available, season ticket memberships completely sold out, meaning the Toronto team would be playing before a full house all year long.

Photos by Harrison Huntley, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Clark-LeClair Stadium 4427 Charles Blvd Greenville, NC 27858 East Carolina Pirates website Clark-LeClair Stadium website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 5,000 The Jolly Roger Flag Over One of College Baseball’s Best Stadiums Clark-LeClair Stadium carries a reputation as one of the best in the nation and does not disappoint. Sparked by the team’s recent success, the school and donors have made much needed stadium updates, and it shows. The stadium has all the modern amenities and even rivals some minor league ballparks. Players and fans alike rave about their stadium and after you visit, I have no doubt you will too. Food & Beverage 4 Clark-LeClair features one of the most expansive concession stands in college baseball. Pizza, chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, burgers, and much more. To make it even better, nothing on the menu is more than $6. Four hot dogs and four drinks will only cost you $32. Drinks are by Coca-Cola and are $4 for a small and $5 for a large. In addition to the fountain drinks, you can purchase sweet tea for $3.50. Despite its popularity in the south, this is the first I’ve seen it at a ball game. Atmosphere 5 The exterior’s brick facade opens to a large concourse with a large concession stand along with a smaller merchandise stand. Tickets for some games are $6, while premium games are $10. The lower level seats and those directly in front of the press box and they are plastic stadium seats. Other second level seats are metal benches. Usually, the box office only sells the metal bleacher seats. The field itself was totally renovated in 2004, and a new video board along with new press boxes, dugouts, and many other aesthetic upgrades were added and make the stadium better than some minor league parks. Even with the netting that stretches around the stadium, fans can sit right on top of the action. There are lower level sections on either end that stretch out even further into the field to the point where you can even see into the dugout. Neighborhood 4 Greenville, North Carolina is the epitome of a college town. Everything around campus is tailored to the school. Greenville Blvd is home to just about any chain restaurant you could ask for, but you would be deprived if you go to a college town and not visit the local favorites. B’s Barbecue is about 10 minutes from campus and is worth the drive just to see this place operate. B’s has no telephone, no cash register, and no kitchen. They serve nothing but Eastern North Carolina, vinegar-based BBQ made outside in a smokehouse. It may not have all the modern amenities of other restaurants, but it makes up for it with good food and local fans. To make B’s even more unique, there is no official closing time. Make sure you come early because once they have sold all of the day’s food, they close. Another local favorite is Cubbie’s. This place is famous for its burgers and its shrimp. It is also a great place for a person on a budget. Plates are available with your choice of sandwich, side, and drink for $6.25 ($7.95 for shrimp). Fans 4 While they may not sell out every game, the fans that come make themselves known. All around the stadium, the fans of all ages have a reaction to every play. If there is a good play or a close call goes for the Pirates, the fans erupt in cheering and applause. If a close call goes against the Pirates however, the fans are very quick to voice their displeasure. Simply put, the fans are among college baseball’s best for their loyalty and volume. Access 4 US 264 was built with Greenville and ECU in mind. It runs from Raleigh and intersects with I-95 on its way into the town. Once you exit off of 264, it is only a short drive to Clark-LeClair and the athletic complex. Parking is free and easy as there are two lots across the street from the stadium. Return on Investment 5 Considering the quality of the stadium, fans, and overall game experience, $6-$10 admission is a steal. For that price, you can sit very close to the action and enjoy a nationally famous stadium for less than most minor league teams. Extras 4 Taco Bell sponsors a promotion where if a player hits their outfield sign, everyone in the park can get a free taco at the store. Along with this, the first three returned foul balls become coupons for free wings at Buffalo Wild Wings. Food related promotions are always popular among hungry college students. Williams Jungle is a fan section in left field that has evolved over the years. What started as fans just watching the game for free from the outfield has turned into a super fan section that loves to try and strike up conversation with the left fielder. College baseball is a sport that is too often devoid of mascots. Thankfully, ECU brings its Pee Dee Pirate out to all the games. Pee Dee is named for the river that runs through North Carolina and South Carolina. Finally, whoever runs the music at Clark-LeClair does a fantastic job. The playlist is a good mix of country, classic rock, and pop and there was never just dead air. Final Thoughts Since the completion of renovations, Clark-LeClair has been talked about in many circles as among the best in the country. Having visited now, I can see why. Everything from the ticket prices to the seating arrangement was built with the common fan in mind and because of that, the stadium provides a great stadium experience. Overall, this stadium is one that fans of college baseball must add to their bucket lists.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Torero Stadium 5998 Alcala Park San Diego, CA 92110 San Diego Toreros website Torero Stadium website Year Opened: 1961 Capacity: 6,000 Beachside Football Torero Stadium at the University of San Diego is home to the university’s football team. USD is located near Mission Bay in northern San Diego, not far from the Pacific Ocean. The venue opened in 1961 and seats 6,000 fans – the field is named after Walter J. Zable, a local businessman and philanthropist. Food & Beverage 4 Torero Stadium offers a great mix of concessions items for $3 to $12 including Spam musubi, manapua, veggie rolls, Hawaiian bowls, bacon-wrapped hot dogs, popcorn, kettle corn, Kona ice, and tacos, as well as fresh-squeezed lemonade, as well as $2 bottled waters and canned sodas. These items are all available on the concourse above the stadium, but there is also a concession stand inside Jenny Craig Pavilion, located on the same concourse, that is open during football games (the same building which has the bathrooms). There is also another concessions stand on the home side for fans sitting over there who don’t want to walk back to the concourse during the game. The stand in the lobby of Jenny Craig Pavilion offers some of the same items as on the concourse, but has some additional items as well – hot dogs (including vegan ones), pretzels, popcorn, peanuts, chips, candy, ice cream, and churros. These items range from $4 for the smaller items to $10 for the vegan dog. The stand also offers bottled water, soda, coffee, tea, hot cocoa, beer, wine, and seltzer – alcohol starts at $8, but the non-alcoholic drinks are $4 to $5. Atmosphere 3 The setting is beautiful for San Diego football – great beach weather accompanies the action on the gridiron. There is a videoboard for replays as well as a cheerleading squad to help keep fans engaged. There is also a small tunnel which the players use to enter the field. The home side grandstands have fold-down chairback seats, while the seats in the end zone and on the visitor’s side have metal benches – strangely the “home side” is on the opposite side from the main concourse, but that side does have slightly more shade (although admittedly, not much). Neighborhood 4 Torero Stadium and the university are located in a mostly residential area, with only a few gas stations and local restaurants within walking distance along Linda Vista Road. The school’s basketball/volleyball venue is right next to the football stadium – in fact they share a courtyard. One great Mexican restaurant nearby is Taco Bomb, just up the street from the university; Taco Bomb is very authentic and definitely worth stopping by if you have a chance. There is an aquarium on UDS’s campus, which is also worth a visit, but the big attraction in the area is Mission Bay and all its beach and water-themed attractions, including SeaWorld San Diego, and there are about a million hotels along I-8 to accommodate all the visitors to this area. There are also plenty of other restaurants and attractions closer to San Diego proper if you want to drive 15-20 minutes south (longer with traffic). Fans 2 Not too many fans show up for San Diego football games, so the facility seems pretty empty – in fact you will see quite a few visiting fans depending on the game (for some games there are more visiting fans than Toreros fans). Interestingly enough, however, there is a small tailgating scene high on the hill above the stadium – you can see these fans grilling out and having a grand old time, all without actually needing to buy a ticket to enter the stadium and watch the game. Access 4 Traffic is not as bad as it seems like it should be, given the proximity to SeaWorld. There is free parking down the hill from the stadium on weekends, and fans can easily move back and forth between the different sides of the field during the game. There are bathrooms inside Jenny Craig Pavilion, on the concourse next to the visiting side. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to Toreros football games are around $25 plus tax. The free parking helps, though, and concessions prices seem reasonable especially given this venue is in pricey San Diego/California – some items are especially inexpensive, such as the bottled water and sodas. While the action on the field may not have a lot of pomp and ceremony besides the game itself, the weather certainly can’t be beat – not that you need an excuse to visit San Diego, but a football game at USD would be a good one. Extras 3 There is a team gear stand inside Jenny Craig Pavilion, which sells items for multiple USD sports. You can also sit wherever you want for the football game, no matter what tickets you have. There is also a cool fountain and giant inflatable football on the concourse, adding a fun atmosphere, as well as a giant inflatable USD chair you can sit in and/or take a selfie.

"Oh yeah, it’s a thing,” said a gentleman as I waited to debark from the ferry in Seattle. “You’ll find them near the stadiums. He then directed me to Occidental Avenue, which connects Lumen Field and T-Mobile Park, as the spot to try one. The street harbors a collection of street vendors, small bars, and merchandise shops. Many vendors grill hot dogs and sausages over an open flame. Perhaps, this is not a surprise to anyone from the city or who has attended an M’s or Seahawks game, but it was one of those regional foods I was uncertain about. Fans gravitate to table tops and picnic benches for a pre-game meal that is much cheaper than inside the stadium. There are a myriad of vendors lined up and down the street. It was not hard to see and smell the hot dogs cooking on the grill in front of lines of people. Next to the grill is a pan with grilled onions and a tub, or a caulking gun, filled with cream cheese. The onions slowly cook away on the grill and many stands mix them with different ingredients from salt and pepper to barbecue sauce. The bun, more like a miniature hoagie roll, is toasted with a little char and gets a coat of cream cheese. The hot dog is added and topped with onions. Fans then have a choice of additional toppings that include a variety of mustards, Sriracha sauce, barbecue sauce, jalapenos, sauerkraut, pepperoncini, and relish. It is not the kind of dog you would find in Chicago, Detroit, or New York. They look like little leaguers compared to the giant all-beef ¼ pound Polish sausage served before sporting events. The cream cheese makes the dog a little slippery, but hold on tight before. However, once you get a good grip, it’s an enjoyable experience. There are more than just Seattle Dogs offered at the various stands on Occidental Avenue. The cream cheese is the most interesting caveat to the dog and blends in well with the other ingredients, almost like it would on a toasted bagel. Perhaps that is why it is no surprise that the Seattle dog can trace its roots back to a bagel deli located in the Pioneer Square district in the late 1980s. Hadley Long is the man credited with the creation of the Seattle dog. He began serving biyali sticks from a cart in Pioneer Square with an all-vegetarian menu. He first offered toppings of cream cheese, mushrooms, sunflower seeds, and onions. It wasn’t popular, but customers asked for hot dogs served on bagel-like sticks. The bagel sticks morphed into hot dog buns, but the ingredients remained the same: cream cheese, grilled onions, and Polish sausage. A Mariners fan explains the complex taste of the Seattle Dog. “You are mistaken if you think you’re ordering a New York-style dog,” said one fan on his way to the game. “The bun situation is immaculate. It’s thick like a hoagie roll. The onions are amazing, and the sausage has a great casing and snap. It’s phenomenal.” The stands offer a few more styles f sausages that include a Spicy-Louisiana Red Hot that is half beef and half pork, a 1/2 pound kelbasa, bratwurst, and a veggie dog. You can even order a Polish dog without the cream cheese and onions. A few carts will even off their take on the cheesesteak, but that is for another article. A specialized caulking gun squirts the cream cheese onto the bun at Pioneer Square Dogs. There were long lines for many of the stands and they had their choices of where to go. Sodo Grill offered their dogs for $7, while the Pioneer Grill sold their version for $6. Another stand, Seattle Sausage, closer to the stadium charged $10. There were also meal deals for a plain Polish, chips, and a drink for $6. It might not be a Seattle dog, but it's definitely an economical option for those on a budget. On a side note, T-Mobile Park charges $12 for their version. The SoDo Grill grill beckons customers to choose their favorite sausage and toppings. T-Mobile Park, Lumen Field, and other hot dog vendors around the city serve their version of the Seattle dog. However, many are unaware of this style outside of the area. Remember, I asked if it was a thing? Visitors flock to Seattle to buy a cup of coffee from the original Starbucks, a sourdough bowl of clam chowder from Ivar’s, or a pint of beer from Fremont Brewing. A few also find a hot dog vendor or shop and purchase a hot dog with cream cheese topped with grilled onions and other condiments. The Seattle Dog is a thing. ---- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Fishers Event Center 11000 Stockdale St. Fishers, IN 46037 Indy Fuel website   Fishers Event Center website Year Opened:  2024 Capacity:  7,500 Indy's New Home for Hockey in Fishers In November 2024, the Indy Fuel opened a new home, the Fishers Event Center. The $170 arena has a capacity of 7,500 for hockey. It is part of a $650 million project that features apartments, office space, a hotel and restaurant, and retail space in the northwest suburb of Fishers, Indiana, 12 miles from the team’s former home at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.  The Fuel began operations in the ECHL in 2014 at the renovated Indiana Farmers Coliseum, formerly the Pepsi Coliseum. The first professional hockey teams debuted in 1939 at the old barn and, up until November 2022, saw various clubs in the International and American Hockey Leagues. With the construction of the Fishers Event Center, a new era of hockey began in the Indianapolis market that should have a lasting impact for years. Food & Beverage 4 The Fishers Event Center offers multiple food and beverage spots on the first and second floors. The Fuel Zone locations offer fans grab-and-go options for food and beverages. Customers pick up their items and pay for them with their credit card. There are a few kiosks where cheesesteaks and supreme nachos are prepared to order. The arena’s food court is divided into two sections: District Eats for quick bites like freshly made burgers and pizza held individually under warmers, and District Drinks for refreshing beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Other items include giant-sized brats, barbecue pork sandwiches, ham and cheese kolaches, burgers, and hot dogs. Kickin’ Chicken prepares fried chicken and pork tenderloin sandwiches in front of customers for their sandwiches. There is plenty to wash down all the food with Coke products, beer, wine, hard seltzers and ciders, and mixed cocktails. The historic railyard of the town inspires the Railyard Pub. The elevated bar offers packaged beers and signature cocktails: Kentucky lemonade, margaritas, and Moscow mules. The local beers include Full Day Ray, Sun King, and King Jugg varieties, within 3 miles of the arena. King Jugg makes the official Black Dog Indy Fuel Ale. All of the beer comes by the can and is available in the grab-and-go from the refrigerators.  Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere at The FEC for Fuel game is lively and engaging. Fans have an open view from a majority of the second level above the seating bowl. It is phenomenal, noting that games are enjoyable even for those who may not typically follow hockey.  The sleek and modern design of the building, most notably its sound system and wide open concourses, is impressive. The seating bowl is near capacity, the aisles are packed during intermission, and when a goal is scored, the entire building cheers in unison. The venue features a standard four-screen scoreboard that is basic compared to others across the ECHL. Nitro, the team’s official mascot, walks around the concourse, providing photo opportunities to all fans, young and old. The Garage Team Shop on the first floor for merchandising needs. The arena features a premium club and suites on the west side and large club seating on the southeast corner of the upper concourse. There are also two bars on opposite ends of the arena: The North Club Market and the Nickle Plate Market. Fans enjoy a drink or two during intermission or take a break from the action during the game. The bag policy includes clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC. It does not exceed 12” x 6” x 12”. Bags cannot be tinted with color or include oversized content that prevents visibility into the clear bag. Only non-clear bags that are smaller than 4.5” x 6.5” will be permitted into the stadium. Any type of non-clear bag exceeding 4.5” x 6.5” in size will not be allowed. Overall, attending an Indy Fuel game at the Fishers Event Center promises an exciting and memorable experience with a vibrant atmosphere that appeals to both dedicated hockey fans and newcomers. Neighborhood 4 The FEC is in Fishers, Indiana, off of I-69. The arena is within a 15-minute walk to   The Yard at Fishers District,   which features a variety of restaurants and bars. They include quick bites such as Shake Shack, Chicken Salad Chick, Torchy’s Tacos, and Bibibop Asian Grill. However, if desiring a little more ambiance, the 1933 Lounge, The HC Tavern and Kitchen, and Sangiovese Ristorante are fine choices. Sun King Brewery is located at The Yard and includes The Fishers Test Kitchen, local chef-inspired cuisine, and rotating test concepts. A few blocks across the interstate are a few more choices, including Full Day Ray Restaurant and Brewery, Parks Place Pub, and King Jugg Brewery. Indiana’s only IKEA and Top Golf locations are within eye-sight of the arena, along with Portillo’s, a spot for iconic Chicago food: Italian beef, Vienna beef hot dogs, sandwiches, and ribs. Fans 5 The arena has had three sell-outs at the time of this writing, and the building is much louder than its predecessor at The Fairgrounds. Fans pay attention to the action on the ice, cheer at the right time, and celebrate every goal scored by moving their arms up and down in unison.  Access 4 Like its predecessor, fans cannot walk around the upper concourse, as the premium club and suites take up the majority of the western portion of the building. Fans enter from the ground floor and access staircases to the upper concourse. There is enough room to walk around, but it narrows out at the North Club Market bar area. There are a few standing-room-only spots towards the northern part of the concourse that have slightly obstructed views of the ice. The parking situation is interesting, guests have the option to prepay online or pay during the event, eliminating the need for gates and minimizing traffic congestion. There is signage where fans can scan a code to access the website and pay $10 or $20 depending on location. Most of the concession stands are grab-n-go that provide easy access in and out for customers. When purchasing a beer, staff members open up your cans at the point of purchase. The longest lines are for the cheesesteak and nacho kiosks, where items are made in order. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices begin at $24 on the team’s website, while parking is $10 in the general admission lot and $20 in the VIP lots closer to the arena's entrance. Menu prices include $6 for a hot dog to $13 for a chicken sandwich with a fry basket. Macro beers are $10, and microbrews are $13. The team shop offers plenty of merchandise: jerseys, caps, t-shirts, and hockey pucks.  Ticket prices are slightly higher compared to division rivals in Toledo and Fort Wayne but on par with Cincinnati. Weekend games will produce larger crowds and more bang for your buck in the atmosphere, while weekday evening games will have a smaller, yet still boisterous, crowd. Extras 3 The FEC earns a point for convenience with its parking fees, freshly made chicken sandwiches at the Kickin’ Chicken stand, and sensory kits for fans with sensory sensitivities.  Final Thoughts The Fishers Event Center is an ideal palace for watching hockey. The open views, easy access to food and beverage, and modern comforts provide a close-to-perfect experience for hockey and non-hockey fans. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .   Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photo by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey News broke on Thursday, September 12th that the San Antonio City Council approved a memorandum of understanding to build a new $160 million minor league baseball stadium in the city’s vibrant downtown area, as reported in the San Antonio Express-News . The move was made in order for the San Antonio Missions , the Alamo City’s current minor league franchise, to meet a deadline imposed by Major League Baseball (MLB) that required all current minor league teams to meet specific stadium guidelines by Opening Day of 2025 . Failing to do so could have cost the Missions and the city their franchise. Since 1994, the San Antonio Missions have played their home games at Nelson Wolff Municipal Stadium on the city’s west side. The team’s new owners, who purchased the franchise in 2022, have been working with city and county leaders on developing a plan for a new multi-purpose ballpark complex ever since, to meet MLB’s deadline. If all goes according to plan, funding for the ballpark will be financed by a combination city-county bond sale, which should be completed by November 2025, plus an equity contribution from the Missions ownership group of $34 million. This should allow for the construction and completion of the new stadium by the opening day of 2028. The new facility will have a capacity of approximately 7,500 to 8,000 – Wolff Stadium  currently has a capacity of over 9,000. ---- Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Irwin Belk Stadium N Camden Rd Wingate, NC 28174 Wingate Bulldogs website Irwin Belk Stadium website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 3,500 #Onedog Like many sports stadiums in the Carolinas, Irwin Belk Stadium is named after Irwin Belk, who donated large sums of money to many universities in the area – it is sometimes hard to keep track of which facility is which given the similar names, but in this case the stadium is home to the Wingate Bulldogs football team of the NCAA’s Division II. The modern venue has a capacity of 3,500 and includes a large grandstand (complete with press box) for home fans, with a smaller grandstand on the other side of the field for visitors. There is also a fieldhouse behind one end zone, with berm seating along a small hill behind the other end zone, which kids can be seen sliding down on flattened, and sometimes decorated, cardboard boxes. Food & Beverage 4 Irwin Belk Stadium has all kinds of food options, enough to satisfy any fan. The main stands on the home side offer hot dogs, nachos, BBQ sandwiches, popcorn, chips, candy, and Chick-fil-A grilled chicken sandwiches, which I haven’t seen before; all the other Chick-fil-A stands at stadiums I have been to only have the breaded ones. The home stands also have bottled soda, bottled water, Gatorade, and energy drinks, but in addition to the main stands, there are pop-up stands which sell Italian ice, slushies, and beer from Southern Range, including a Bulldog-themed one named ‘Onedog’, which is a well-known hashtag/saying for the team (that word is even lettered on top of the player tunnel). The concessions are slightly on the high side for this level, but the selection is great. The Chick-fil-A sandwiches are amazing, still moist even halfway into the game, but I wouldn’t recommend the BBQ sandwich (the meat is too dry with not enough sauce). Atmosphere 5 As mentioned above, kids have a lot of fun at Irwin Belk Stadium, sliding down the grass hill on cardboard boxes, or tossing a football on the berm. It is also really cool you can get so close to the field – you can literally walk right down and stand two feet from the turf if you want. The facility is also very modern, with nice-looking brickwork and splashes of color in the form of Wingate logos on and around the field. The only potential downside is that the videoboard only shows team logos and not any game replays. However, they play great music during breaks in the action, including fun music that gets people up and dancing (songs the staff calls ‘bangers’), and the entertainment includes Wingate’s 2022 NCAA National Champion cheerleading squad. Neighborhood 3 Wingate, NC is a small town of less than four thousand located about 45 minutes southeast of Charlotte. There isn’t much in town – a few fast food places, a sushi restaurant named Wild Blue, and the awesomely named coffee shop Java the Cup – but there is plenty to do in Charlotte if you plan to be in the area for the day or weekend. There are also some interesting attractions outside of Charlotte, for example Carowinds on the South Carolina border, or a petting zoo called Why Not an American Ark nearer Wingate. Fans 5 The fans at Irwin Belk Stadium are phenomenal – the stands are literally overflowing. In fact, at the last game I attended the PA announcer actually had to ask fans to move down to the middle of their rows (a.k.a. stop spreading out so much), so that more people could fit in the bleachers. Even after that there were plenty of fans standing around, and plenty of attendees sitting on the grass berm. The fans are also really into the game, and really seem to love their team. There is also a great tailgating scene outside the stadium. Access 4 Irwin Belk Stadium is easy to get to, and easy to get into and out of. The small town location helps, as this means there is not too much traffic, but there is also plenty of free parking right outside the main entrance. The facility is located right off Highway 74, and the concourse has plenty of room to move around. The only potential downside is the concessions lines tend to be a little long, but this is more than made up for by the free and close parking, and the ease of moving around the facility – as mentioned above you are even allowed to walk down the stairs to field level to get to the grass berm, or walk around to the visitors side, so you can literally watch from wherever you want. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to Wingate football games are only $12, which is a steal for football at almost any level – rarely have I seen tickets cheaper than this. This represents a great return on investment for your sports dollar, as you get to experience a great, modern facility, a rabid fan base, and a pretty solid win record over the past five years under head coach Joe Reich (his brother Frank played quarterback for the Buffalo Bills back in the day behind Jim Kelly, leading the team to victory in that legendary playoff game against the Houston Oilers, and currently serves as the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts ). Extras 4 A big plus for the great fan base, leading to standing room only for some fans at recent games. Another plus for the Bulldog cheerleaders winning the national championship, a squad you get to see in action during every home football game. Another plus for the popular hashtag #Onedog, which even has a beer named after it, and a final plus for the great fun all the kids had cardboard-sledding down the hill at Irwin Belk Stadium.

Photos by Terry McCutchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Denny Faith Field at Robert Nail Memorial Stadium 49 N Main St Albany, TX 76430 Albany Lions website Danny Faith Field at Robert Nail Memorial Stadium website Year Opened: 1937 Capacity: 2,906 Albany HS Albany, Texas is a small bedroom community in Shackelford County, approximately 30 miles northeast of Abilene. Established in 1873 in the shadows of Fort Griffin, Albany became an important support community and valued stop on the Western Cattle Drive Trail. Blazed by Captain John T. Lytle, the trail allowed Southern ranchers to drive an estimated six million head of cattle north, to provide stock cattle for growing northern ranches and supply reservations on the northern Great Plains. In Albany today, like most small Texas towns, on fall Friday nights the focus of most citizens shifts to the local high school football field. The field in this historic community is fittingly draped in its own bit of lore, as it was built into the hill where the original Albany public school was built in 1884. Interestingly, the stadium’s namesake Robert Nail was not known for his athletic prowess, but for being a playwright, most notably writing Fort Griffin Fandangle, the oldest outdoor musical in Texas. Coach Denny Faith, whom the field was dedicated to in 2019, is still the Head Coach and Athletic Director here, with over 40 years of service to the community.   Food & Beverage   4 Concessions at Albany games benefit the Albany Athletic Booster club. While there are no specialty food items available, stereotypical fare is served. If large items are to your liking, burgers, hot dogs, Frito pie, and nachos are available for $6 or less. Snack items include candy bars, pretzels, chips, pickles, and popcorn for $1 to $4 each. 20-ounce Coca-Cola products, water, and Powerade are all available for $2. There are also hamburger, hot dog, and Frito pie meal deals that include a drink, chips, and candy for a discounted price – at the most recent game I attended, I purchased a burger meal deal which included a cheeseburger, chips, Coke Zero, and Snickers for $10.   Atmosphere   3 Walking up to the main gate, you are welcomed by two regal, statuesque lions guarding an imposing large stone archway. The iconic image is impressive and sets the tone for a memorable experience. When you realize that the stones utilized to form the entrance were from the original school, which dates back to the early 1920s, the nod to history is evident. Add in unusual features such as stair-step home stands made of native stone, and a corner of the southeast end zone that is mere feet from the surrounding trees and perimeter fence, and fans are welcomed to a one-of-a-kind encounter. The home side lower section also has several rows of natural tiered seating built into the hill – these tiers are lined with stone and are wide enough for folding chairs, which prove popular with knowledgeable fans. When the teams run onto the field here, each respective school’s band plays, and the crowd cheers. Albany has a loud air horn that blows on big plays to excite the fans as well; the game is exciting and the air is filled with energy all night.   Neighborhood   4 Even though it is the county seat of Shackelford County, Albany is basically a bedroom community due to its location just 30 miles northeast of Abilene. Surrounded by numerous large working ranches and with a rich history steeped in western lore, it is no surprise that Albany has a strong agricultural background. Along with oil production and wildlife hunting, industry tied to the land is a major factor in the area. There is one hotel in Albany, a few blocks from Robert Nail Memorial Stadium. The Albany Inn is within walking distance, but several more options are about 28 miles southwest, in Abilene – just a couple of suggestions out of many include Comfort Suites  and Holiday Inn Express And Suites . If you have extra time, the Old Jail Art Center , Fort Griffin State Park , the historic downtown area, and Webb Memorial Park and Swimming Pool are all interesting places to visit. If visiting Abilene, family entertainment options to consider include the Abilene Zoo , Frontier Texas , the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature , Grace Museum , and the Big Country Athletic Hall of Fame . There are a few restaurant choices just a few blocks from the stadium – these include Goodnight Steakhouse and Saloon, Ice House, Los Cazadores Mexican Restaurant, and Dairy Queen. I would suggest Goodnight Steakhouse if you have the time for a well-cooked steak. There are also numerous choices at the Interstate 20/Highway 351 intersection if you are coming from Abilene. Or, if you are traveling from the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, budget an extra hour or so into your travels and stop in Strawn at Mary’s for a chicken fried steak!   Fans   4 Like most high school football games in Texas, the crowd is large and highly involved. There is a saying used here – “The whole town shuts down on Friday nights for the football game”, which might very well apply in Albany. It seems that most of the hillside lower seating is packed, and much of the metal stands above the walkway are filled as well. During my most recent visit, the visitor side was packed tightly, and overflow fans were lined up on both sides of the fence from end zone to end zone.   Access   4 Albany is located 30 miles northeast of Abilene, Texas on US Highway 180, via Texas Highway 351. Nail Stadium is easily visible, one block off Main Street (US-180) behind the First Baptist Church. There are entry gates on either the home (north) or visitor (south) side of the facility. There is a large parking lot between the church and Nail Stadium, with handicap parking and full ADA access available on the home side of the venue. Parking on the visitor side will be along South First Street, but that gate is only accessible via large steps.   Return on Investment   5 Ticket prices to attend games in Albany are $5 for adults and $3 for school aged students. There is no charge for parking. Figure in the ability to purchase a tasty meal deal from the concession stand and you get an excellent return on investment here. Extras   4 The aforementioned two lions in front of the stone archway give a majestic feel to the entrance. Despite the east-west orientation of the field, which can cause issues for the players, you’ll get a nice sunset – west Texas sunsets are always worth extra points, no matter your location. The merchandise booth housed in the historic rock building, plus the tiered step seating, bridge generations of Lions history and continue to carry the legacy of Robert Nail into the future.   Final Thoughts Texas high school football is popular, as evidenced by the famous book and subsequent movie and TV show, all with the same name, Friday Night Lights . While many communities across the Lone Star State have built new, shiny, state of the art multipurpose facilities, Albany has gone against the counterculture and continues to play football on the same field where the game was played over a century ago. Denny Faith Field has some unique features which are memorable; considering the history of the Lions athletic program since Coach Faith has been its leader, a trip to historic Nail Stadium should be on every casual high school football fan’s bucket list.

Photos by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 BMO Stadium 3939 South Figueroa St Los Angeles, CA 90037 Los Angeles FC website BMO website Year Opened: 2018 Capacity: 22,000 LAFC Soccer From L.A. to The O.C. (Los Angeles to Orange County), southland sports fans will never suffer from a shortage of teams to cheer for. With fans having a choice of two teams to cheer for in each major sport, as of this season, Major League Soccer fans throughout the southland will also have their choice of two teams to cheer for with the addition of the Los Angeles Football Club. The first MLS game to take place in Southern California would take place at storied Rose Bowl in 1996. The L.A. Galaxy would call The Rose Bowl home until 2003 when they would move to more intimate settings at the Stubhub Center in the city of Carson. Throughout the early stages of the MLS, most teams often found themselves playing home games in front of sparse crowds at NFL venues. Banc of California Stadium, located on the spot formerly occupied by the Los Angeles Sports Arena, kicks off its inaugural season with a seating capacity of 22,000, all but securing a packed house for every contest. Banc of California Stadium is the first open-air professional sports venue to open in Los Angeles since Dodger Stadium in 1962. Note: In early 2023, the name of the stadium changed to BMO Stadium. Food & Beverage 4 Much of the dining options offer a local flair. Some of the items featured are The Srirach Beast Burger from the Beer Belly stand, Kalbi Pork from Seoul Sausage, Pita Nachos from The Roost, and a Brisket Sandwich from Bludso’s BBQ, a favorite among locals. Domestic and premium adult beverages are available throughout several stands as well as Coca-Cola brand sodas. Atmosphere 5 One word…LOUD. From the moment you step inside L.A.’s newest outdoor sports venue, the atmosphere is at a fevered pitch as throughout the stadium fans are chanting and yelling long before the match begins. The crowd is a great mix of diehards and fans new to the sport, led by the 3252’s, LAFC’s Independent Supporters Union. From the pregame tailgates to the ninetieth minute, the passion runs non-stop as the fans show their never-ending passion throughout the match. Neighborhood 4 Located on the grounds of Exposition Park, in addition to pregame tailgating that is permitted along Christmas Tree Lane, the Natural History Museum, California African American Museum and the California ScienCenter are all located inside the grounds of Exposition Park. If you do plan to arrive early, it is possible to take in two of the three museums prior to taking in the match. Should you choose to visit two museums in the same day I would recommend visiting the California African American Museum first before visiting either of the other two museums. Not far from the venue is a stretch along Figueroa Street known as The Figueroa Corridor. This stretch has revitalized a piece of Figueroa Street leading to Downtown L.A., lining the street with townhouses mostly geared to the students at nearby USC as well as various chain eateries. Should you desire more than just your typical fast food selection, L.A. Live is only a 10-minute drive from Banc of California Stadium where you will find more variety ranging from casual to upscale dining. Fans 5 If you should get the opportunity, sit, ahem, stand among The 3252 in the venue’s North End . The 3252 is comprised of a number of supporter groups that contribute greatly to the highly charged atmosphere throughout the venue. Though the 3252 are self-monitored, this passionate group of fans, perhaps the most passionate of all L.A. teams, makes no bones about their passion, encouraging flags, banners, drums and singing of the various groups rally songs. It is a party zone that while passionate and encouraging diversity while welcoming all types of fans, from the casual to the soccer novice and even kids, this party zone is not for the faint of heart. It is undoubtedly the loudest section in the venue and some of its traditions, particularly the 3252 Splash Zone, where beer and water throws are a proud tradition provided that cups, bottles, cans or other debris aren’t thrown. The level of enthusiasm is felt throughout the venue as fans have quickly warmed to the LAFC, regularly filling the stands through each contest. Access 4 Banc of California Stadium is about three miles southwest of Downtown L.A. and can be easily reached by the 110 Freeway. The 110 can have some of the most daunting traffic throughout the week, however, the Metro has a light rail, the Exposition Line, that has a stop a short walk from the venue. The Expo Line can be accessed from points serving Santa Monica, L.A’s west side to Downtown. Metro also offers several bus lines that run through the surrounding area. Unlike Rams or USC football games, because of the venue’s small capacity, parking for LAFC games is plentiful albeit pricey at $30. Pregame tailgating is limited to the area along Christmas Tree Lane. Inside, the concourse runs throughout the entire venue allowing fans to walk around and explore the stadium’s vast dining options prior to the matchup or during breaks in the action. Return on Investment 3 Like most organizations today the price to see a game at BOC Stadium is based on various factors, night of week, opponent. For a game against the L.A. Galaxy expect to pay a hefty price. Otherwise, ticket prices start at $20 for General Admission to as much as $147 for seats along the sideline. When factoring in the cost of parking if opting to drive ($30) an LAFC outing can be on the steep side. With the first year success of the LAFC Soccer Club, the organization is wasting no time raising the season-seat prices for the 2019 season . Extras 2 For a first year organization don’t expect too many extras such as a Wall of Fame of LAFC greats and other great moments. LAFC will develop its history inside BOC Stadium in due time. BOC Stadium offers its share of premium club seating for the elite but the ultimate experience is really in the stands where all the energy is. If you have a chance, sit, or in this case stand, in the North End, and be a part of the atmosphere, regardless if you belong to any of the support groups. Final Thoughts As with any first year organization there’s a special connection among the fans and the team. Even with the premium areas offered to the high rollers, and in L.A., there are plenty of them, the excitement in the stands and particularly among the support groups is nothing short of electric. After an unfortunate incident in the stands earlier this season, the LAFC organization along with MLS has made it a point of emphasis to provide all fans the ultimate game day experience. The 3252’s have played a huge role as well in making all fans feel welcomed. The LAFC fan base is a good variety of soccer diehards as well as newcomers to the sport. The LAFC Soccer Club has had a successful first season. Their success on the field, along with the excitement of a new franchise playing close to the heart of Los Angeles, can only help expand an already rabid fan base.

Photos by Eric Moreno Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 American Bank Center 1901 North Shoreline Blvd Corpus Christi, TX 78401 Corpus Christi IceRays website American Bank Center website Year Opened: 1978 Capacity: 8,500 Corpus Christi IceRays The franchise that would eventually become known as the Corpus Christi IceRays came into existence in 2001, first as the Pittsburgh Forge, before moving to the Texas Gulf Coast and their current home at American Bank Center in 2010. The IceRays are members of the National American Hockey League (NAHL) , one of the top junior hockey leagues in the country. A previous incarnation of the IceRays existed from 1998 to 2010 as members of the Central Hockey League and Western Professional Hockey League before the current team’s owners decided to venture into junior hockey with the current club. The new version of the IceRays has seen some success, making the playoffs five times. The team has also brought another layer of professional sports to this often-underserved region of Texas, and the fans have responded in kind. The IceRays are one of the highest-attended teams in the NAHL and play in one of the nicest facilities in minor league hockey. Food & Beverage 4 There are two levels of seating at the American Bank Center, and that means there are two levels of concessions as well. On the first floor, there are two main concession stands near the entrance areas that specialize in your traditional stadium fare – your hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, etc. There is also a similar stand on the second floor that carries the same items. The stand on the second floor also sells cheese and pepperoni pizza by the slice, which is always nice to have at a game. American Bank Center DogFather Concessions, Photo by Erice Moreno, Stadium Journey In terms of specialty dining, American Bank Center has a Chick-fil-A kiosk on the first floor that sells its signature sandwiches and chips. There is also a gourmet popcorn stand that sells slices of local Corpus Christi dessert favorite The Ultimate Cheesecake Bakery . Also, on the first floor is The Dogfather , a specialty hot dog and sausage stand; this is a good alternative to your standard variety of hot dogs. A personal recommendation would be to hit up the Hurb’s Burgers stand on the second floor. This is another local joint that offers a $10 double cheeseburger and chips combo; it’s dang tasty and I recommend getting it with their special sauce. It also happens to be right next to the arena’s full-service bar, which if that’s what you’re into is a great spot to be. Atmosphere 3 American Bank Center is truly a top-notch facility and is home to numerous events throughout the year for Corpus Christi. In addition to being the home of the IceRays, it is also home to Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi’s basketball teams and plays host to pretty much every big entertainment act that comes through the region as well. As such, it has the look of a big-time entertainment venue. The hockey setup for IceRays games at American Bank Center is a basic horseshoe with one end of the arena closed off and without seating; it’s draped off with black curtains and is where the Zamboni enters from at the end of each period. That being said it doesn’t detract from the sightlines or acoustics. The black of the seats and curtains couples with the exposed piping in the ceiling, which has been painted an almost neon-lime green to create an interesting effect. The other point of interest in terms of atmosphere would be the team store, which is located on the first floor near the main entrance. The glass windows on the second floor look right out onto Corpus Christi harbor and, from some exits, you can go out onto balconies and sit outside. It’s one of the best views in the city, and you’d be hard-pressed to find another one like it in all of minor league hockey. Neighborhood 4 Corpus Christi has long been a destination retreat for many South Texas residents. Less than a two-hour drive from San Antonio, it is the closest beach for most Texans, and it is the first destination most head to during the summer months. The prime spot to head to is North Beach , which is across the Harbor Bridge from American Bank Center. With 1.5 miles of beachfront, that is open year-round during the day and at night for camping and anchored by fishing jetties, North Beach is the prime spot for visitors to Corpus Christi. In addition to its beachfront restaurants and hotels (more on those momentarily), North Beach is also home to two of the city’s main tourist attractions, the USS Lexington and the Texas State Aquarium . Commissioned in 1943, the USS Lexington is a retired naval aircraft carrier that saw service during World War II and the Korean War before being retired. It now serves as a fully interactive museum of military history. The Texas State Aquarium is home to numerous species and is one of the top facilities of its kind in the country. Both are great spots to visit when checking out an IceRays game. In terms of dining options, there are quite a few to choose from in the downtown area of Corpus Christi near the arena. One popular option is Brewster Street Icehouse – serving up a line of signature burgers, like their Hello Sunshine and Brewster Bucket List, as well as sandwiches like their Seafood Po’Boy and their South Texas Philly, Brewster Street is a popular sport in the Concrete Street entertainment area. For something a little more “of the place,” since you’re on the Gulf Coast, why not seafood? The Railroad Seafood & Brewing Co. is a relatively new sport and combines locally sourced seafood with craft beer brewed onsite; it is a real taste of what the Gulf is all about. In terms of lodging, numerous spots up and down the shore are sure to fit within anyone’s budget. Some of the closest options include the Omni Corpus Christi Hotel and the Holiday Inn Corpus Christi Downtown Marina . Just be forewarned, depending on the day and time of year that you head down, hotels in this part of the city tend to be very popular, and thus tend to fill up fast. Fans 3 In my experience, minor league sports fans tend to fall into two categories: very casual or very loyal. The IceRays have traditionally been at or near the top of the NAHL in average attendance every year since they joined the league; for the current season, they are averaging just under 2,100 fans per game and sit at third in the league. The crowd, from what I experienced, is a good mix of the casual and the diehard fans. There is also an apocryphal story, which I can’t find confirmation of but you need to see, about how passionate this fanbase can be ( scroll down to item #6 when you click this link ). You will see plenty of IceRays fans kitted out in their sweaters, and they will be loud and cheering throughout the night, but you will also see a ton of college-age fans out for an inexpensive night of fun (the team frequently runs college nights where students with a college ID get a free ticket). All in all, it’s a great crowd and a fun atmosphere with good energy, especially at weekend games. Access 3 American Bank Center is located right along the shore (on Shoreline Drive, in fact) before you cross over Harbor Bridge in downtown Corpus Christi. The city itself is located about a two-hour drive from San Antonio, which also puts it at close to three hours from Austin and three-and-a-half hours from Houston. Corpus Christi International Airport does feature daily flights to and from Houston and Dallas if that’s the route you want to go. Once on site, parking is ample in the lots and will run you $10 per car. There is free parking in certain spots on the street at certain times; just be mindful of those areas and those times or you will find yourself with an unwanted souvenir parking ticket, courtesy of the Corpus Christi Police Department. The Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority (CCRTA) , the city’s public transportation option, does offer a line that makes a stop at American Bank Center. If you choose not to drive, you can plan your route from their website. Return on Investment 4 The great benefit of minor league sports is that they offer the chance to see the pro game at an affordable rate; this holds for the Corpus Christi IceRays, where general admission tickets start at $10 per person. When you factor this in with the relatively inexpensive concessions ($10 for a double cheeseburger combo at Hurb’s y’all!) and the parking costs, you’re getting a good bargain. For young fans, this is a great way to introduce them to the sport. Extras 3 The IceRays, like a lot of minor league teams, do a lot of hustling to get fans into the building. They have a Pucks and Paws night, Thirsty Thursdays, family skate nights after games, and much more. There are also games and contests during intermission periods, including a chuck-a-puck contest for a year’s worth of Whataburger. The IceRays also have their mascot, Stinger Ray , who patrols the stands, skates the ice, and tosses t-shirts from the back of a pickup truck during one of the aforementioned intermissions. Like most mascots, Stinger Ray is around quite a bit for photo ops throughout the game. Stinger Ray, Photo by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Final Thoughts I have always enjoyed my visits both to Corpus Christi and to American Bank Center. As a lifelong resident of this region of Texas, I am pretty nostalgic about trips to the coast and what they signify. I imagine that’s the way folks on the East Coast feel about going to the Jersey Shore each summer. Regardless, Corpus Christi is a special place, with a lot of things to do and see. The IceRays and American Bank Center both do a great job of making the games feel big. The fans also have a passion for their club; the venue is great, the view is great, and the city is great. I wouldn’t mark it down on your bucket list, necessarily, but make a stop in and catch an IceRays game if you’re down on the Texas Gulf Coast during the season. I think you’ll have a great time. Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 . Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com .

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Phoenix College Softball Stadium 3201 N 15th Ave Phoenix, AZ 85013 Phoenix College website Phoenix College Softball Stadium website Year Opened: n/a Capacity: n/a Bears In Phoenix Phoenix College is a community college in Phoenix, Arizona. It is the flagship of the Maricopa County Community College District and was founded in 1920, making it one of the oldest community colleges in the nation. The Phoenix College Softball Stadium is the home to this successful team. The Phoenix College Bears compete in the NJCAA as part of the Arizona Community College Athletic Conference Conference. Famous alumni of Phoenix College include Nick Nolte, CeCe Peniston, and A Christmas Story’s Peter Billingsley. The softball team has been one of the most successful teams on the Phoenix campus. The team has won the NJCAA National Women's Softball Championships eleven times, and ten of those were in the 2000s (the other being in 1979). The 2022 Spring season ended with them winning the Division II championship. Food & Beverage 1 There is a very nice snack bar located right at the softball stadium. The game we attended had the stand not open, but we are assuming that it is open for some games. We are giving a courtesy of one star for food and beverage. Atmosphere 3 The Phoenix College Softball Stadium is a very simple field with a small set of bleachers behind the field. There is a decent amount of room to stand and watch the games, as well as picnic tables that family and team supporters seem to claim fairly early. The fans make this a pretty good place to watch a game, as the atmosphere seems excited to be watching softball and their Bears teams. Neighborhood 4 Phoenix College is located in the Encanto Village, near downtown Phoenix. Encanto is also home to the Arizona State Fair, which includes the Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum, the original home of the Phoenix Suns. The Phoenix Art Museum is also nearby. Encanto Village has a fairly eclectic restaurant scene with many good options nearby. Durant’s is a high-end steakhouse with the look and feel of a dive bar. George & Dragon English Pub may be a more reasonable option for a post-game bite. Fans 3 Although many of the fans are family and friends of players, this does not seem to lower the enthusiasm for the game and their team. It is a knowledgeable crowd who are eager to get into the game action. Access 4 Phoenix College is located northwest of downtown Phoenix. It is not far from I-10, along a fairly major road, Thomas Road. The Softball Stadium is located far northwest of the Phoenix College campus. There are a decent number of parking lots right near the field, so parking should not be an issue. One should check local parking regulations, especially for games that occur on regular college operating days. Return on Investment 4 It was free to attend the game we attended. There is a gate to the stadium, so a small admission charge is certainly possible. We are assuming it would be a good value, even if an admission fee is charged. . Extras 2 The softball team has been very successful, so spend some time checking out the signage and awards for past Bears teams. There are not a lot of extras at Phoenix College, but one should look out for the feral cat colony on campus. It is a Trap, Neuter, and Return program that is working with the Animal Defense League of Arizona to manage the cats. You will need to refrain from feeding the cats, as their care is under that program. Final Thoughts Phoenix College Softball Stadium is a simple affair but has been home to many champions. If you enjoy the game of softball, this would be an ideal stop for a fan who is in the Phoenix area.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Maryland Field Hockey & Lacrosse Complex 8483 Paint Branch Drive College Park, MD 20742 Maryland Terrapins website Maryland Field Hockey & Lacrosse Complex website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 1,400 Turtle Lax The Maryland Field Hockey & Lacrosse Complex is exactly what it sounds like – a stadium which is home to the University of Maryland’s field hockey and women’s lacrosse programs. It opened in 2003 across from the Xfinity Center , and was renovated several times, most recently in 2023. The Terrapins' women's lacrosse program is one of the most successful in the history of the sport, having won a whopping 14 NCAA Championships, plus one in 1981 which predates NCAA sponsorship of the sport. The men's lacrosse program does not play here, but rather plays at the far larger SECU Stadium , which is also home to the football team. Food & Beverage 2 There is a food truck called Feed the Turtle just inside the entrance of the stadium, which offers a basic menu. Hot dogs are the only option that can be a meal, although several snacks are available, including candy, chips, fries, cracker jack, peanuts, and popcorn. Bottled water and fountain soda are also available. Hot chocolate can be purchased on cold days as well. Prices are reasonable, with nothing costing more than $5. Atmosphere 3 There is one set of bleachers at the Maryland Field Hockey & Women's Lacrosse Complex, consisting of about five rows of seats all along one sideline. The other sideline contains the press box and team benches. Every seat will put you right up and close to the action. A large scoreboard and videoboard is located to the left of the bleachers, in the corner. There is not much going on here besides the game itself, although there is a marketing table and the occasional promotion to get fans involved. The pep band has appeared at some games in the past, but was not there during Stadium Journey's most recent visit. The team relies on the crowd to create some of the atmosphere here. As mentioned below, expect a large but not necessarily raucous crowd here to help improve the fan experience somewhat. Neighborhood 3 College Park is a small college town with enough in the immediate area to get by but is nothing special. There is a bowling alley a couple of miles away, and a bunch of chain restaurants within walking distance. If you’re looking for some local color, College Park Diner  is a favorite with residents and students alike and serves up comfort food 24 hours a day. Looney’s Pub  on Route 1 is a sports bar with dozens of big-screen TVs for your viewing pleasure. A couple of hotels are located nearby, including a Marriott  just off campus, and The Hotel  on campus. (Yes, the on-campus hotel is called The Hotel. Not a very creative name). That being said, if you’re looking to do more than eat and sleep, your best bet is to head down to the Metro station and take the Green Line into D.C. It’s about a 30-minute ride to downtown. Once you’re there, there’s so much to do and most of it is free. Whether it’s visiting one of the historic monuments and memorials, visiting one of the numerous museums, or simply walking outside on the National Mall, there’s something for everyone. All government-run attractions are free to the public, though some privately-run ones are not. Just keep in mind if you want to tour the Capitol or White House, you will need to reserve that ahead of time. Fans 4 The Terrapins draw pretty good crowds to women's lacrosse games, and the stands will be mostly full on a typical matchday. That being said, despite being large in number, the fans struggle to get loud at times. Although they will cheer Terrapins' goals, they are for the most part quite subdued. Occasionally you will hear some people cheering the team or yelling at the refs, but this crowd is not nearly as raucous as its numbers would indicate. Access 4 There are parking lots located both across the street from and next to the Complex. The one next to the field is completely free to park at after 4 PM on weekdays and all day on weekends, which should cover the vast majority of matches between them. The one across the street is split between free parking during those hours and paid parking, the latter of which is available to visitors 24/7 and should be utilized if visiting for a weekday afternoon game. The numbered spaces are paid and can be parked in 24/7 for $3/hour, while the unnumbered ones are free but cannot be parked in on weekdays before 4 PM. The other thing to keep in mind is that if the Terrapins have a home basketball game the same day as the lacrosse match, the parking situation can be completely different, so check the Terrapins’ website for additional information if that is the case.   Return on Investment 4 General admission tickets are just $10 per game. Concessions are reasonably affordable, and parking will be free for most games. As a result, a Maryland women's lacrosse game has good value for fans. Extras 1 Free programs are available at the marketing table. That's about the only extra here for most games, although there may be the occasional promotion or band appearance. Final Thoughts The Maryland women's lacrosse program is one of the most storied programs in the sport. Despite this, they play in the small confines of the Maryland Field Hockey & Women's Lacrosse Complex, while the men play in the big stadium across campus. The crowds here are large, and can get loud at times, but this stadium seems out of place and disappointing for such an elite program.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Budds' Chevrolet Rink @ Sixteen Mile Sports Complex 3070 Neyagawa Boulevard Oakville, ON L6M 4L6 Oakville Blades website Sixteen Mile Sports Complex website Year Opened : 2010 Capacity :1,500 The Blades are Sharp The Oakville Blades have been a successful franchise in the current OJHL since its inception and have been one of the longest-running Junior hockey teams in Ontario.  The founding of the Blades dates back to 1966 when the Blades were founded as a Junior C team.  They made one Schmalz Cup appearance and eventually graduated to Junior B in 1970.  The Blade would make two Sutherland Cup appearances and would graduate to Junior A with the rest of the league in 1993.  It was in the OJHL where the Blades would achieve their greatest successes as Buckland Cup Champions in 2008, 2010, and 2019.  The Blades are currently owned by Wayne Purboo and former NHL goaltender Jamie Storr. Home for the Blades is Budds’ Chevrolet Rink @ Sixteen Mile Sports Complex.  The Sixteen Mile Sports Complex is named after the Sixteen Mile Creek, where the City of Oakville was founded and is a true community hub.  The complex features 79 hectares of space with baseball, soccer, and cricket fields and outdoor courts, along with four indoor ice rinks indoors.  It is receiving a massive addition which will include gymnasiums, a seniors centre, an aquatic centre, and a library branch. Food & Beverage 4 The culinary options are surprisingly strong for a venue such as the Sixteen Mile Sports Complex.  The main atrium has a cafe that serves a variety of coffees, Gatorade, popcorn, pizza, hot dogs, cookies, muffins, and ice cream.  Between the Budds’ Chevrolet Rink and the adjacent rink is Puckz Pub, a full-service bar and restaurant that looks out to both rinks.  Inside Budds’ Chevrolet Rink is a Puckz Pub stand that serves soft drinks, chips, popcorn, cotton candy, pizza, and hot dogs.  The stand is in a licensed corner of the arena and also serves products from Cameron’s Brewing and Vice Vodka cocktails.  Pepsi products are the soft drink of choice in the Sixteen Mile Sports complex. Atmosphere 4 At the time of writing, the Sixteen Mile Sports Complex was a bit of a construction zone.  However, the construction mess was relegated to the parking lot area and in no way impacted the atmosphere at the complex.  The complex has a sleek and modern look from the outside, which is accessed from the parking lot, away from the street.  Light brick, along with blue-tinted glass, completes that look. Entering the Sixteen Mile Sports Complex leads fans into a massive atrium that joins all four ice rinks, which line up parallel to each other.  The furthest to the north, or the right-hand side when entering, is Budds’ Chevrolet Rink, home of the Blades.  A nod to the history of hockey at all levels in Oakville can be found in the atrium, with many displays, including photos and some artifacts.  There is a specific display that focuses solely on the history of the Blades.  These displays are professionally compiled and are not cluttered as many trophy case displays in other arenas tend to be.  The displays are more akin to what one would find in a museum.  Above the large panes of glass that look into the ice rinks are pieces of art that can be lost as they are well above the traditional eyeliner.  On game days, the shades are drawn over the windows that look into Budds’ Chevrolet Rink.  Fans are met just outside the rink by temporary tables for ticket sales as well as merchandise, 50/50, and chuck-a-puck sales.  Entering Budds’ Chevrolet Rink, fans are immediately struck with how bright, clean, and modern the arena is.  Immediately to the left upon entry, at the northwest corner of the arena, are banners for conference championships as well as a Humboldt Broncos memorial banner and banners honouring the retired numbers of former Blades greats, John Duff and Jack Ricketts.  The Buckland Cup Championship banners hang above centre ice along either side of the octagonal scoreboard with four panels of video board.  The video board is low profile as the arena does not have a very high ceiling.  It is not huge, but appropriate for the size of the arena and the OJHL.  The ice is oriented from northwest to southeast.  The seating bowl features eight rows of modern, plastic arena seats.  The first row is elevated above ice level, improving the sightlines.  A sense of the importance of the Blades to the community is seen at the southwest side, behind the seating, where a permanent television booth is found for broadcasting Blades games on local TV as well as FloHockey, where all OJHL games can be found. The gameday production in Oakville is pretty simple.  Promotions are limited to a 50/50 draw and chuck-a-puck contest.  The PA system is good, and the announcer is good, but it gets a little over-excited for the home side, creating a bit of a buzzing sound in the sound system. Neighbourhood 4 Sixteen Mile Sports Complex is located in the Glenorchy neighbourhood of Oakville.  There are a number of chain and fast food restaurants that are right across the street from the complex.  Other, more original food and drink options in the area include Oakville Pump and Patio, House of Wings and Spoon and Fork Plus. There are a few other sporting options in Oakville.  The Oakville Buzz  of the OJLL play at the Toronto Rock Athletic Centre.  Other lacrosse teams also play at the TRAC, including the senior Oakville Rock of MSL.  The Toronto Rock also play their preseason games there.  Oakville is very close to Toronto and Hamilton and all of their sporting options.  The Blades also enjoy a healthy rivalry with the nearby Burlington Cougars.  Other tourist options in the area include Glen Abbey Golf Course, which has hosted the Canadian Open a number of times, and Rattlesnake Point Golf Club.  There are also a number of parks and the waterfront may be of interest.  For fans wishing to stay near the area, the Holiday Inn is a good option. Fans 3 The Oakville Blades have enjoyed decent support for the OJHL.  In the 2022-23 season, the Blades averaged over 350 fans per game, which ranked them 7th in the league.  The game that was reviewed saw only 125 fans in attendance, pretty much a friends and family crowd.  The 2024-25 season is looking like a bit of a down year for the Blades, and it is assumed that stronger crowds show up for seasons in which the Blades are more competitive.   Access 4 Getting to the Sixteen Mile Sports Complex is not difficult. Keep in mind that at the time of writing, there was plenty of construction on the site that may limit parking a bit. The Sixteen Mile Sports Complex is located in the Glenorchy neighbourhood of Oakville at the northwest end of the city.  It is located just south of toll Highway 407 and north and west of Highway 403.  Being on the edge of Oakville, it is a little easier to get to the arena and fans should not have to drive through the heart of the city.  There is plenty of parking on site, although parking can fill up depending on the number of activities happening at the complex.  For fans wishing to take public transit, there are Oakville Transit stops on Dundas Road and Neyagawa Blvd.  Fans should consult the Oakville Transit  website for fares, maps and schedules.  Getting around the complex is not difficult at all and the washroom facilities are more than adequate for the facility.  Budds’ Chevrolet Rink is probably one of the most comfortable arenas in the entire OJHL. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for the Oakville Blades run for $12 for adults, $6 for youth and seniors.  Seating is general admission and there is an additional $3 or $4 for purchasing tickets at the door.  The Blades are one of the minority of teams that sell tickets electronically in advance and fans should take advantage of that.  Parking at the Sixteen Mile Sports Complex is free and the concession prices are decent.  The product on the ice is solid and fans should have a good time at a Blades game.  More fans in the stands would result in a better return. Extras 2 An extra mark for the Sixteen Mile Sports Complex as a community hub for the city of Oakville. An extra mark for the longevity of the Oakville Blades franchise. Final Thoughts The Oakville Blades have been around a long time and have enjoyed success at all three levels that they have played at over the years.  Taking in a Blades game will bring fans to a bright, clean, modern arena in Budds’ Chevrolet Rink @ Sixteen Mile Sports Complex, one of the best in the entire OJHL. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Western Alumni Stadium 100 Philip Aziz Ave London, ON N6A 5P9 Western Mustangs football website Western Alumni Stadium website Opened: 2000 Capacity: 8,000 Purple Ponies There is no Canadian University football program in Ontario more decorated than the Western Mustangs. Western, along with the Laval Rouge et Or, is one of the most dominant football programs in all of Canada and consistently finds themselves in the National Championship picture. The Mustangs are the owners of a staggering 35 Yates Cup Championships as Ontario (OUA) conference champions. That is nine more than the closest rival. The Mustangs have also brought home the Vanier Cup as National Champions eight times. Western has also produced six Hec Crighton Trophy winners as the top university football player in Canada, including Tim Tindale, who would go on to a solid career in the NFL with the Buffalo Bills. The phrase “Everybody Hates Western” which is common to hear around the other programs in the OUA is a direct result of their domination and performance on the field. Home for the Purple Ponies is Haylor-Semotiuk Memorial Field at Western Alumni Stadium. Replacing the venerable J.W. Little Memorial Stadium and originally known as TD Waterhouse Stadium and then TD Stadium, Western Alumni Stadium opened in 2000 and boasts a bulbous capacity of 8,000 to make it one of the largest facilities in the OUA. The field is named after legendary OUA coach Larry Haylor, who retired as the winningest coach in Canadian University Football, and longtime coach and Athletic Director Darwin Semotiuk. Western goes beyond excellence on the football field and also puts together a strong football experience for fans. Food & Beverage 3 Concession options at Western Alumni Stadium are what one would expect for an OUA football venue. There is a main concession stand with basic offerings including hot dogs, burgers, sausages, popcorn, nachos and candy. Coffee, both hot and cold, water, Powerade and Coca-Cola products are the soft drink options in the stadium. There is a beer garden for those who are able and wish an alcoholic beverage. For the game that was reviewed, there were a number of food trucks on site which helped ease the concession congestion. Atmosphere 3 Western Alumni Stadium is a solid OUA football venue, but there are a few spots where some improvement could be made. The main entrance is at the north side of the stadium. The J.W. Little Memorial Building is an attractive grey brick building which welcomes fans to Western Alumni Stadium. It houses the locker rooms, concession areas and press entrance. The trophy cases with Western awards can also be found here. Upon entering the stadium grounds on either side of the J.W. Little Building, fans are welcomed by a massive purple Muskoka chair and a view of the field. On the side of the J.W. Little Building is a mural dedicating the field to Larry Haylor and Darwin Semotiuk. The stadium consists of two grandstands on either side of the field-turf field, surrounded by a running track. The main grandstand is to the west and often it is the only grandstand that is open. It is also the place to be for that perfect center logo picture and is home to the press box. The grandstand consists mostly of benches with backs but some regular bleachers are found at either end and reserved stadium seats are in the middle. The PA system is solid and seems to have been upgraded as well as the lighting system has been improved to LED lights. Where Western Alumni Stadium could benefit from some improvements is in recognition of Western’s vast football accomplishments. With 35 Yates Cups and 8 Vanier Cups at the time of writing, some sort of recognition is a must. At one point there were team pictures of championship teams on the exterior of the stadium, but those seem to have been removed. Also, the scoreboard on top of the J.W. Little Building is definitely dated, even boasting the outdated moniker “University of Western Ontario.” When it comes to gameday production, the Mustangs attempt to put together a production similar to a program in the NCAA. The Mustangs have two live horses that take a lap on the track after a Western touchdown as well as the running of the massive flag. Western also features a marching band, that although not nearly as large as most NCAA bands, is unique in the OUA and a Western tradition. The Western Cheerleaders perform gymnastic stunts for fans and JW, the Mustangs mascot is found around the field, helping build spirit. Neighbourhood 4 Western Alumni Stadium is located at the southeastern corner of the Western University campus, northwest of Downtown London. There are a few spots that fans can go for a pre or post game meal or drink. Some options include The Wave, Mother Hubbards, Richies Family Restaurant, Westside Family Restaurant, Grad Club and the Barking Frog. Hopping in the car to get away from the stadium is probably the best bet. For fans looking for other sporting options in London, checking out Western Mustangs hockey or basketball at Thompson Arena or Alumni Hall , respectively may be an option. Otherwise, heading downtown to see the London Knights of the OHL or London Lightning of the BSL are options. The London Majors of the Intercounty Baseball League may also be in town. As far as other entertainment options, taking in the tour of Labatt Park, the oldest, continually used ballpark could be fun or Storybook Gardens, Fanshawe Pioneer Village or Jet Aircraft Museum are all good ideas. For fans wishing to stay in London, heading downtown to the Hilton is a good plan. Fans 4 The Western Mustangs enjoy the highest attendance in the OUA. In the 2023 season, the Mustangs averaged 7,100 fans per game, an increase from the 2022 season. A lack of competition in general has made Western fans spoiled, but overall they do well to support their team. Access 4 Getting to Western Alumni Stadium is not terrible. Western Alumni Stadium is located at the southeast corner of campus, northwest of Downtown London. It is in a valley among other athletic fields, surrounded by Western Rd, Philip Aziz Ave and the Thames River. It is a significant distance north of Highway 401, so traversing the city when coming from out of town is a necessity. There is plenty of parking off of Philip Aziz Ave, north of the stadium. Some reserved parking is at a cost, but there may be some available for free. For fans wishing to take public transit, there are London Transit stops all along Western Road. Fans should check out the London Transit website for maps, fares and schedules. Getting around inside the stadium is not difficult at all and washroom facilities are adequate. With the simplistic nature of the grandstands, there are plenty of stairs and could be an issue for those with mobility issues. Return on Investment 4 OUA football offers great value for the sporting dollar. The Mustangs offer a number of price points for tickets with General Admission going for $15. Reserved seats range from $20 to $45 depending on the type of seat that patrons want. Concession prices are what one would expect and parking can be found at a cost or for free. The product on the field is solid, however, the dominance that Western has shown over the years makes the possibility of getting a blowout game a real possibility. Extras 3 An extra mark for the nearly unprecedented success the Western Mustangs have enjoyed. An extra mark for Western alumnus Tim Tindale who is one of the few skill position players to graduate from Canadian university football and make a solid career in the NFL. An extra mark for the Western Mustangs creating a gameday atmosphere that screams big event, and attempts to produce an NCAA atmosphere. Final Thoughts Catching a Western Mustangs game is a great way to spend a fall weekend afternoon. There is a ton that the Mustangs do right and with a couple of adjustments, the experience could be even better. Other programs should consider taking some pointers from the Purple Ponies to make their experience as “Big Time” as possible. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Meg Miinard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Clint Lightner Field 706 E Maple St Garden City, KS 67846 Garden City Wind website Clint Lightner Field website Year Opened: 1920 Capacity: 1,000 Southwestern Kansas Baseball The Garden City Wind, a team in the Pecos League (an Independent baseball league), began play in 2015 at the historic Clint Lightner Field in Garden City, KS. Clint Lightner Field is part of Frederick Finnup Park, a community park that also houses a zoo, a historical museum, picnic tables and grills, softball diamonds, a pool with water slides, and more. Recent renovations to the stadium include new turf on the field and updated bullpens and batting cages. The organization asphalted the dirt parking lot in front of the entrance. And, they added ten VIP bucket seats directly behind home plate. The park is shared with the Garden City High School team – The Buffaloes – who play their games from March to May. Garden City hosted the successful Pecos League All Star Game in 2022. The name Wind comes from the blusterous breeze that can blow through the stands. Locals tell me the wind is often the ‘blow you over type.’ If it’s a windy one on the evening of your visit, hold on to your hat! Food & Beverage 2 Basic food items are for sale; enough to squelch a hunger craving. The team offers juicy hot off the grill hot dogs, chips, peanuts and seeds, candy, other snacks, and Pepsi products ($1 – $4). Flavored shaved ice is a popular snack. Beer (Budweiser, Bud Light, Michelob Ultra) is offered at the Windy Saloon concession stand underneath the grandstand for $3. Thirsty Thursday home games are $1 beer night ($2 for seltzers). Can’t beat the prices! Atmosphere 3 The seating consists of three sections of ten rows of aluminum bleachers without backs or handrails. We recommended bringing a cushion to sit on the benches as they get quite uncomfortable after nine innings of play. If you want the shade, sit on the first base and the home side. A medium-thickness net protects the entire seating area for the fans’ safety from foul balls. The third base side gets the sun if that’s what you prefer. The sun sets behind home plate and the grandstand so it won’t be blinding your eyes when watching an evening Wind game. A play area is behind the first base bullpens for kids to run around or play catch. Music is played mostly between batters and not each pitch (a good thing in this author’s opinion). The starting lineup is not posted and it is called way too fast to record on a scoresheet. The scoreboard is basic with balls, strikes, and outs identified with a dot. There’s a passing of the hat after a pitcher reaches 7 strikeouts. And, kids get to run the bases after the end of the third innings. It’s an entertaining evening out and, depending on the evening and wind, you may get an occasional whiff of cattle. Neighborhood 3 Garden City is an agricultural town. Less than five miles outside the town are the farms and ranches that produce the crops and raise the cattle needed for food, drink or fuel in this country. Besides the farms, its number one employer is Tyson Foods. Plenty of hotels are within two or three miles of the park and include: Sleep Inn, Hampton Inn, Best Western, Clarion Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Americinn, and more. Places to eat include Old Chicago and Baron’s Steakhouse + Bar. A plethora of Mexican and Asian restaurants are in the area as well as many fast food chains. The city hosts two breweries: Mountain Brewhouse in downtown (offers food) and Hidden Trail Brewery. For other things to do, I’d recommend visiting the Lee Richardson Zoo and the history museum. Fans 3 The fans are vocal and they are friendly acknowledging and greeting unfamiliar faces with a smile and a hello. They can give the umpires a hard time when a questionable call is made. Families, parents of players and local Garden City residents attend the games. Kids get to run the bases after the third inning which is quite a delight to the young ones. The grandstand isn’t packed (except for Thursdays) yet there is a decent showing of fans for the Wind games There’s even a booster club that sells popcorn and other items where all proceeds go to the players. Access 2 The ballpark is in a quaint residential area just south of the railroad tracks off of US 50 going east and west or US 83 going north or south in southwest Kansas. It is not close to any interstates. Once in town, it is easily accessible with plenty of parking in a newly paved lot or on side streets. The closest airport is Garden City Regional Airport, eight miles from the downtown area. It is more of a regional airport with the only commercial flights coming from/to Dallas, Texas. There is a small Amtrak station just a few blocks from Clint Lightner Field so that, too, might be an arrival choice. I did not notice any public transportation so taking the car, bike, or walking are your best options to a Wind game. Walking in and around the stadium area is easy and there are restrooms at the venue. I’m sure it meets ADA requirements, but it certainly appears not handicapped or wheelchair friendly. Return on Investment 3 Thursdays are a popular day for the Wind as it is $1 beer night. Admission to a game is $7 a ticket. If in the area, season tickets are just $185 (for 32 home games). The team offers free parking at the ballpark. Though limited, the food prices are very reasonable. The seating is near the field so you get to see up-close action, hear chatter between the players, and just get to enjoy a few hours of baseball. All kinds of promotions are provided by sponsors, including Get in Free to a game. Extras 3 The Wind has quite an active Facebook page posting photos after each game. A unique and thoughtful feature at Clint Lightner Field is the cups offered to dispose of peanut and sunflower shells vs throwing them on the floor. I wish other stadiums across North America would provide this and that fans would pay more attention and not leave trash behind. Finally, it’s encouraging to see a Booster Club for the team. Final Thoughts Garden City, Kansas is not a vacation destination. It is however a nice little town with a new mall, several dining options and Finnup Park seems the place to be on a weekend. The Wind provide an entertaining and affordable evening out so if you live in the area or happen to be visiting nearby, do check out a game.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Stan Ogrodnick Court at Ray Oosting Gymnasium 300 Summit St. Hartford, CT 06106 Trinity Bantams men's basketball website Ray Oosting Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1969 Capacity: 2,200 The Bantams R. Oosting Place   Trinity College was founded in 1823 as Washington College. It is the second oldest college in the state of Connecticut. With an enrollment of 2,200 students, Trinity offers majors in 41 fields of study. The college, with an all-male enrollment until 1969, was ranked as the 12th best liberal arts college in the country by Forbes magazine in 2022. Trinity is known as an early example of Collegiate Gothic architecture in the United States.   Basketball was first played at Trinity College in Hartford, CT in 1894. Players from the college would play other teams at the local YMCA. In 1897 Trinity upgraded to games against other colleges (Yale and Wesleyan). Official intercollegiate play began in 1905.   Today the Bantams compete in Division III’s New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC). Over the years Trinity has qualified for ten NCAA D-3 Tournaments, reaching the Final Four in 1995. The women’s basketball team has played in three tournaments, reaching the Elite 8 in 2023.   The Bantams basketball teams play at the Stan Ogrodnick Court at the Ray Oosting Gymnasium. Oosting coached the Bantams from 1924-1957, and Ogrodnick from 1981-2008. Ogrodnick boasted a record of 469-186 during his time at Trinity, holding the school’s all-time win record.   Food & Beverage 0   There were no concessions available during Stadium Journey’s visit, despite it occurring at Trinity’s Holiday Tournament. We’re not sure if this is typical at a Bantams game, but no concession area space was noticed in the facility during our visit. Fans were welcome to bring in their refreshments during the game.   Atmosphere 2   Trinity College is well-known for its architecture and beautiful campus. The Ferris Athletic Center, which houses Oosting Gymnasium and other athletic facilities, does not share this aesthetic. The building is a fascinating mashup of old and new. To reach the gym, one passes through the older exterior to a newly renovated student lounge to a small lobby filled with mementos of over a century of competition. Then, you pass through the gym doors into the 1970s. Almost everything inside the gym is colored in Trinity’s blue and yellow, with the school’s rooster mascot adorning the floors and walls throughout.   Unfortunately, much of what you find in the Oosting Gym feels like it’s from the 70s. Music and PA announcements are made over a substandard sound system. The PA announcer strangely only announces baskets. When you notice that her perch is located 15 feet above the court, you quickly understand why she isn’t able to pick up all the game calls consistently.   Stadium Journey attended a game during the semester break, which understandably held down representation from the student body and overall attendance, even though we visited during their annual holiday tournament and the team was ranked in the top 10 nationally. It’s quite possible that the atmosphere and crowd kicks up a notch or two when school is in session. During our visit, the crowd was very quiet and reserved. There were no cheerleaders, pep band, or mascot to help liven up the proceedings.   Neighborhood 2   Trinity College is an urban campus, located in the Barry Square neighborhood of Hartford. Much is made about the dangerousness of the area surrounding the campus. While the area shares many of the same problems as other urban neighborhoods, the campus is very self-contained and safe. And being only a mile or two from downtown Hartford and its attractions is a plus.   People may not think of Hartford as a destination location, but there is much to see and do in Connecticut’s capital city. Among the attractions located a short distance from Trinity College is The Old State House, which contains exhibits on Hartford's history. Tours are discounted for AAA members and will cost history buffs a mere $3. The State Capitol and Bushnell Park are popular attractions located nearby (Trinity College trivial fact: this was the original site of the college before they moved to make way for the capitol building in 1872). The Mark Twain House and Museum and the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center are both located just a short drive from the downtown area. Check out Hartford.com  for more information. Of course, you can always catch a game at the XL Center  or Dunkin’ Park  should schedules line up.   Fans 3   As mentioned earlier, Stadium Journey visited the Oosting Gymnasium during the semester break. While there was a decent crowd in attendance, the absence of the student body was noticeable. Looking at box scores over the season, the Bantams draw crowds that are comparable to other small schools in the area. Here at Stadium Journey we like to call these smallish crowds “friends and family” crowds, as most of the fans in attendance seem to have a personal connection with the athletes on the court. Fans are generally knowledgeable and passionate, without being rowdy. Since the NESCAC’s geographic footprint is small, it’s not unusual to see a good turnout by visiting fans in the building.   Access 3   Oosting Gymnasium is located in the Ferris Athletic Center at the center of the Trinity College campus. In addition to the gymnasium, the Ferris Center contains the school’s field house, squash center, natatorium, fitness center, and varsity weight rooms. The school’s outdoor athletic facilities are located in the immediate area.   Trinity College is one of the few liberal arts colleges located in an urban setting in the nation. With downtown located two miles away from campus and Interstate 84 just a mile away, the campus is fairly easy to get to if driving. If utilizing public transportation, CT Transit’s  61, 39, and 41 buses all have stops near the Ferris Center.   There is not a lot of parking right around the Ferris Center. If visiting during the day, this isn’t a bad thing, as this beautiful campus is a great place for a stroll. Upon entering the facility, fans will pass through a remodeled student lounge before entering the gymnasium’s lobby and passing through the blue and yellow doors into the gym.   All seating is on one side of the court and consists of molded plastic bleachers. Lower rows have some uncomfortable-looking plastic seats. In this cozy gym, you’ll have a good view no matter where you sit. Return on Investment 5   There was no charge for admission to a Bantams basketball game. Again, Stadium Journey attended Trinity’s Holiday Tournament during the semester break, so we’re not sure if this is standard procedure. With free parking on site and no concessions, you won’t reach for your wallet once during a Bantam basketball game.   Extras 5   In a gym as old as Oosting at a school as old as Trinity, there’s going to be some history. And Trinity College displays its history proudly. Take some time to check out the trophy cases in the lobby, where a century-plus of hardware is displayed with pride. You’ll be amazed at how many rooster-shaped trophies they have!   Hanging from the rafters above Ogrodnick Court are banners honoring Bantam tournament appearances, conference championships, and milestone achievements in men’s basketball, women’s basketball, and volleyball.   Right at the entrance to the Ferris Center are a cluster of bricks and a cornerstone, which were taken from Alumni Hall, the school’s first gymnasium, built in 1887. The Bantams played there until a fire destroyed the building in 1967. The Trinity mascot, the Bantam, deserves at least one extra point. There’s a display in the lobby honoring its creator, the Honorable Joseph Buffington. Once you enter the gym, the Bantam logo is everywhere, including a pair of giant representations on the gym walls. Final Thoughts   The Ray Oosting Gymnasium is a fascinating mix of old and new, while appearing in many ways to have frozen in time in the 1970s. Despite the gaudy décor, this is a great place to visit, take in some small-college basketball history, and catch some quality hoops at the most affordable price.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Hartwell Field - Former Home of the Mobile Bay Bears, Photo Courtesy of DigitalBallparks.com After a Hurricane destroyed Mobile’s Monroe Park in 1926, the Mobile Bears of the Southern Association were left without a home to play in. Monroe Park, which also featured an amusement park and was nicknamed “Coney Island of the South,” had been such a tourist attraction for Mobile, but sadly would be one no more. In the 1940s Brookley Field Air Force Base opened on the site, and any remnants that were once there are now long gone, except for the many live oaks that still line the waterfront. With Mayor Harry Hartwell instrumental in the process, the ground was broken on a new baseball stadium that was more inland, on the corner of Tennessee and Ann Streets. The stadium would be named Hartwell Field, after the Mayor who had made the ballpark a reality. Hartwell Field would open just in time for the 1927 season, and over 9,300 fans packed the stands for the Bears’ first game. The ballpark lined the railroad, and its most notable feature was the huge freight warehouse that ran along the train tracks along the outfield wall. View of Hartwell Field’s Grandstand in the 1950s, Photo Courtesy of Mobile’s Baseball Connection Facebook Page During this time the Bears would welcome Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and the Yankees in 1929 and 1930, to play in exhibition games against the Bears, with Babe Ruth once crushing a home run to center, and hitting the roof of the freight warehouse. The Bears would also play in exhibition contests against the Red Sox , Dodgers , and Pirates in the 1930s as well. Babe Ruth and the Yankees played at Hartwell Field Twice, in 1929 and 1930, Photo Courtesy of Mobile’s Baseball Connection Facebook Page When the Bears played, stands at Hartwell Field were usually packed with over 6,000 fans. Sadly the Bears did not win many games during the early years and would relocate to Knoxville after the 1931 season. The Class B Southeastern League would place a team here in 1932 called the Red Warriors, but the team folded midway through the season. In 1937 baseball would return with the Mobile Shippers, also of the Southeastern League – the Shippers, who were affiliated with the Cardinals , would win three League Championships before the league was suspended at the onset of World War II in 1942. Aerial View of Hartwell Field, Photo Courtesy of Mobile Baseball Connection Facebook Page Luckily Hartwell Field wouldn’t go dark for long, as the Knoxville Smokies moved back to Mobile in 1944, bringing back the Bears name. It was during this time that a young Hank Aaron and his brothers would often climb the trees above the outfield to get glimpses of the game he would become the biggest star in many years later. Hank would also play for the Mobile Black Bears Negro League team that played at Hartwell Field in 1951 while he was still in high school; Hank only played weekend games and home games as a result of still being a minor. In addition, before becoming one of Hollywood’s biggest stars in the 50s and 60s, movie star Chuck Connors played outfield for the 1947 Bears and led the team in Batting Average en route to the 1947 Southern Association Championship. Hank Aaron leaving Mobile to join the Indianapolis Clowns Negro League team in 1952, Photo Courtesy of Black History Postcards Before becoming a big-name Actor, Chuck Conners led the 1947 Mobile Bears in Batting Average,Photo Courtesy of Wikipedia Throughout the 1950s Hartwell Field was used as the site of the Greater Gulf State Fair every year – in 1955 a young and relatively unknown Elvis Presley even played on a stage in the parking lot. In 1952 the city of Mobile would spend $50,000 on renovations to build a new grandstand and roof. Just seven years later that grandstand would be condemned, as its design was similar to the bleachers that collapsed at nearby Ladd-Peebles Stadium . The city then built a new steel grandstand at $1 million heading into the 1959 season. Mobile Bears in the 1950s, Photo Courtesy of Mobile Baseball Connection Facebook Page Bears Memorabilia on Display at Hank Aaron’s Childhood Home and Museum at Hank Aaron Stadium, Photo by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey The Bears would win league titles in 1955 and 1959, and play in front of sellout crowds at Hartwell Field while being affiliated with the Brooklyn Dodgers, Indians , and Mets . However the League faced issues for refusing to integrate; only one black player ever played in the Southern Association, Nat Peebles, of the 1954 Atlanta Crackers, who played in two road games with the Crackers against the Bears at Hartwell Field. Peebles would be demoted to Single-A Jacksonville after his second game here. The Bears would then play in a racially segregated league through the 1961 season, which eventually led to the Bears and the whole Southern Association league folding after the 1961 season, as more and more parent MLB teams became integrated. After the Bears folded, Hartwell Field stayed busy hosting other local baseball games, high school football games, and the annual fair. The 1964 Cincinnati Reds led by Pete Rose played the White Sox here in an exhibition game. In addition, Mobile was a stop on the territory wrestling circuit, with Hartwell Field serving as Mobile’s site during the regional Gulf Coast wrestling championship. 1966 Mobile A’s Game Day Program, Photo Courtesy of FunWhileItLasted.net After the Southern Association folded, the brand new Southern League took its place in 1964, and Hartwell Field was the home of two Southern League teams, which each lasted one year, the Mobile A’s (1966) and the Mobile White Sox (1970). Both teams would be plagued by attendance issues, but the Mobile A’s were led by future Hall of Fame manager Tony La Russa, who played infield for the A’s. Hartwell Field would also host one more big league exhibition game in 1970 when the St. Louis Cardinals played the South Alabama Jaguars. In the lineup, that day for the Cardinals was two future Hall of Famers as well, Joe Torre and Lou Brock. After the 1970 season, the White Sox would move their team from Mobile to Birmingham, where they would eventually become the Barons, and that would be the end of professional baseball at Hartwell Field. The Last Big Game at Hartwell Field was in 1970, when the Cardinals faced the South Alabama Jaguars, Photo courtesy of Mobile Baseball Connection Facebook Page Over the next several years the park would continue to host high school baseball and football games, and even hosted a motorcycle jump in 1971 when daredevil Snake Blackwell jumped 10 cars on the infield. The park would continue to host the fair until 1974 when it was moved to a more permanent location. Sadly in 1979 Hurricane Frederic would make a direct hit in Mobile and, like its predecessor Monroe Park , Hartwell Field was susceptible to the forces of Mother Nature; the hurricane would cause enough damage to close the stadium for good. Hartwell Field would be left to rot and nature would take its toll on the property until the city tore down the remnants in 1983. Today over 40 years after being condemned by Hurricane Frederic there is nothing left of the former ballpark that once welcomed American icons Elvis Presley, Chuck Connors, Lou Gehrig, and Babe Ruth. The property was purchased by the Mobile Police Department in the 1990s, who constructed a branch of their offices where the stadium’s parking lot was located, while the location of the field itself is fenced in as part of the Police Department’s impound lot. I could not get into the impound lot, but from what I noticed, old rusty cars now occupy the place where the infield would have been located, while overgrown weeds and tall grass have grown in the outfield. Train tracks run along the outfield wall and a large warehouse, used for storage, stretches from where right field to center field was. The only remains of the old ballpark in the warehouse that sat along the outfield fence, so you can judge where the ballpark would have been. The site is located west of downtown in a not-so-safe area of Mobile, so use caution if visiting. Hartwell Field’s Outfield Wall ran along the Fence Line; the Rusted Volkswagon sits where the Outfield was, Photo by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Hartwell Field’s infield is now part of Mobile’s Police Impound Lot, Photo by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Overgrown Weeds and Tall Grass occupy Hartwell Field’s Infield now, Photo by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Babe Ruth once hit a Home Run at Hartwell Field that smashed the Roof of this Warehouse, Photo by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Copeland Park 1130 Copeland Park Dr La Crosse, WI 54603 Map It La Crosse Loggers website Copeland Park website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 3,550 The Lumber Yard The Lacrosse Loggers celebrated their 20th season in 2022. They play in the prominent summer collegiate baseball league, the Northwoods League. The team plays their home games at Copeland Park, a city-owned park on the Black River, which runs into the Mississippi River, just north of downtown on the Minnesota border. The team won the Northwoods League Championship in 2012. Notable Loggers alumni include Mike Trout, Jordan Pacheco, Eric Thames, Chris Sale, and Matt Scherzer. The Loggers offer a fun, affordable evening out with the focus still mainly baseball with enough other entertainment for non-baseball fans to enjoy themselves. The UW-La Crosse Eagles (NCAA D3) also play their games at Copeland Park in the spring. Food & Beverage 4 Most concessions are behind the first base seating area in a covered courtyard called the Festival Food Court. Food is on one side; adult beverages are on the other. Tables and chairs are between the two. The food is tasty and priced affordably. Copeland Park Festival Food Court, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Snacks include chips, peanuts, Cracker Jack, and candy ($2 – $2.75). Fried offerings are cheese curds, tater tots, onion rings, and corn dogs, and range from $3 – $6.50. Sandwiches consist of Klement’s hot dogs, burgers, bratwurst, and crispy and grilled chicken, and cost $4.25 – $6. Tuesdays are $2 hot dogs, corn dogs, fries, soda, water, and popcorn. Across from the courtyard is a Grab and Go shop selling bottled soda, other soft drinks, packaged snacks, and ice cream ($2.50 – $4). A Snack Shack is to the left of that, selling Dippin Dots, pretzels, nachos, cotton candy, and other treats. Domestic beers on tap are Miller Lite, Bud Light, and Coors; draft craft beers are Leinenkugel, New Glarus, Hillsboro, and Golden Road. A plethora of canned beer and hard seltzers are for sale. Domestic beers are $4 while craft beers cost $4.50. All the food looks scrumptious. The ice cream cones are very popular in summer evenings. Note: The concession lines can get long. Atmosphere 4 The Loggers provide an excellent game-day experience for fans visiting the stadium. The music is not played between every pitch and is at a pleasant volume. You can talk with those sitting next to you without yelling to be heard. And the music is not played over the announcer speaking as is done in most Northwoods League stadiums. Harmless fan participative games and contests include a ketchup and mustard race, a beer batter, name the player positions and name as many MLB teams as you can. For seating, the grandstand consists of sections A – E with four rows of stadium fold-down seats closest to the field, then a walkway. The next four rows are stadium fold-down seats and the remaining five or six rows are bleachers with backs. The ten ‘upper’ rows in section C, behind home plate in front of the press box, are stadium seats. The seats are average width and there is average legroom. A net extends in front of the grandstand and covers the top of it. There’s no fear of getting struck by a foul ball there. Some sections behind the dugouts are net-free for your viewing pleasure. Party decks are down both the first and third baselines. Some seats are in the right field above the outfield wall. The field is artificial turf and dirt. A video scoreboard in the left field shows the player at bat’s stats. A line score is provided beneath the video board. The sun sets behind the press box so the grandstand seats get the shade. It does get dark in the grandstand seats when the sun sets. As the evening progresses, you may want to sit somewhere else or move to see your scorecard if you keep score. Be aware of bugs that sting right through your clothes. Spray yourself with insect repellant before attending a game to help prevent that. You’ll get the bug heebie-jeebies most of the night if you don’t. Neighborhood 3 Copeland Park is just north of the city of La Crosse on the Black River (which flows into the Mississippi River). It is a city park that hosts the Loggers, an Oktoberfest, and has a playground, fishing, basketball courts, a wading pool, and other park amenities. The ballpark is a little less than two miles from the active downtown neighborhood of La Crosse. Plenty of restaurants are within a mile or two of the ballpark. We recommend Bodega Brew Pub downtown, Crooked Pint Ale House, Rosie’s Café (breakfast and lunch), or Fayze’s. For craft brews check out the 608 Brewery, Pearl Street Brewery, or Turtle Stack Brewery. Lodging choices are within one to two miles of Copeland Park; none are within walking distance. The ones south are closer to downtown and are about two miles. Several Hilton, Marriott, and Holiday Inn brands line Copeland Ave and the river. For other things to do while in town, visit the World’s Largest 6-Pack or stroll through Riverside Friendship Gardens. Enjoy a boat ride on the Mississippi River via La Crosse Queen Cruises . Or drive up the Grandad Bluff for scenic views of the town. World’s Largest Six-Pack, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey The two closest Northwoods League teams are the Eau Claire Express and the Rochester Honkers (87 and 72 miles, respectively). Fans 3 Loggers’ fans enjoy singing “Roll out the Barrell” in the 7th inning, which fans sing in baseball stadiums throughout Wisconsin. Many fans seem to know one another. Families and kids make up most of the clientele, but you’ll see retirees, grandparents, young adults, and couples in the stands, as well. The 2022 average attendance was 2,180 fans per game, placing the Loggers in the top five attendance-wise in the Northwoods League. Access 3 Copeland Park is just a mile off Interstate 90. The town has a small regional airport with flights to and from Minneapolis/St Paul or Chicago. Bus service to a Loggers game is available from downtown and other parts; Route 6 looks like the best one. However, service after a Saturday or Sunday evening game will be an issue as service ends around 6 pm. Parking is the biggest concern, with only street parking and just a few noticeable spots for handicapped parking. Plan on hunting for a spot and hoofing it if you don’t get there early. The team thankfully does not have bag and bag size rules. The stadium has a ramp on the first base side to get to the seating area. Clean and decent-sized restrooms are next to the merchandise shop before the food court. Return on Investment 4 Although ticket prices are a buck or two higher than other Northwoods League stadiums attending a game here is still a worthwhile sports entertainment investment. Single-game tickets cost $8 – $15. All-You-Can–Eat-Seats (plus three alcoholic drinks) run $25 – $28. Military men and women with ID get in free. Food and beer prices are below other Northwoods League venues, especially if you go on a Tuesday. Extras 3 The merchandise shop sells an informative program (including a scoresheet) for $1. It has a recap of the previous game, league standings, fun facts, the Loggers schedule, team rosters, and player stats. Showing appreciation to military members by letting them in free is of special note. Having the music volume at a level where fans can hear their conversations and the music stopped when the announcer is talking is something that should be common at ballgames, but it’s not anymore. It’s a bonus at a Loggers game. Final Thoughts The Loggers organization delivers a remarkable evening out of baseball. Copeland Park is on the Black River, which flows into the Mississippi River just north of vibrant downtown La Crosse WI. It’s worth checking out if in town or traveling across the Midwest.

Photos by Lance Sutehall and Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Riverwalk Stadium 200 Coosa St Montgomery, AL 36104 Montgomery Biscuits website Riverwalk Stadium website Year Opened: 2004 Capacity: 7,000 It’s Biscuit Ball Y’all! Next to the Alabama River lies Riverwalk Stadium, the home of the Montgomery Biscuits minor league baseball team since 2004. The Biscuits originally played in Orlando, Florida for the first three decades of the team’s existence. In 2003, the then-Orlando Rays announced they were relocating to a new ballpark in Montgomery, Alabama. That ballpark would become Riverwalk Stadium, Montgomery’s replacement for Patterson Field which had last hosted Minor League Baseball in 1980. The Montgomery Biscuits are the Tampa Bay Rays AA affiliate and they compete in the Southern League. The Montgomery Biscuits won back-to-back Southern League championships in 2006 and 2007 as well as winning eleven half-season titles, recently winning the first half title in 2024. Food & Beverage 4 There are a variety of concession stands throughout the concourse with the two main ones being “The Railyard” along the first base side and ”The Train Station” by third base. The Train Station offers standard fare such as hot dogs ($5), cheeseburgers ($8.25), chicken sandwiches ($8.25), chicken tenders ($9), pizza ($6), and nachos ($6). The Railyard offers super nachos ($13) with beef, chicken, or pork, Philly cheesesteaks ($12), and wings ($10). The Biscuit Stand, Photo by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Smaller concession stands include a half-pound burger stand ($12.50), a Conecuh sausage stand that sells sausage dogs ($7.50), and fittingly a biscuit stand ($6-$10). Coca-Cola products are sold throughout the venue with options including water ($4), Powerade ($5.50), 24oz sodas ($4.50), and 32oz souvenir cups ($8). Alcohol is sold throughout the stadium in the form of 16oz ($7) or 32oz ($13.50) drafts. The venue is cashless. Atmosphere 4 Riverwalk Stadium was built into the side of an abandoned train shed. The concession stands and other parts of the stadium pay homage to the history of the train depot. There is an active railroad by the third base foul pole and trains passing by often sound their horns. There are specialty nights throughout the season including “Taco & Tallboy Tuesdays” where $4 tacos and $4 beers are sold, Military Wednesdays where military personnel get discounts on admission and concessions, and “Thirsty Thursdays” where beers and souvenir cups are half off. The Biscuits have postgame firework displays after games on Saturday nights. Neighborhood 4 Montgomery is the capital city of Alabama and is therefore home to the Alabama State Capitol building. It is located about a mile away from Riverwalk Stadium but the Rosa Parks, Freedom Rides, and Hank Williams museums are within walking distance. For dining options include Bibb Street Pizza Company, Wintzell’s Oyster House, and Dreamland BBQ. There are several hotel chains nearby Riverwalk Stadium including SpringHill Suites, Embassy Suites, and DoubleTree. Fans 3 The fans that come out to Biscuits games have a great time when they come to games. The Biscuits do a great job with promotions to get fans of all ages invested in the baseball games. Big Mo, the Biscuits mascot also plays a large part in getting the fans energized. When the Birmingham Barons come to town, the fans get particularly excited for state baseball bragging rights. Access 4 From I-65, turn off at exit 172 and onto Herron Street before making a right on Bibb Street. Make a left on Coosa Street and Riverwalk Stadium will be on the right. From I-85, take exit 1 turn right on Union Street, and make a left on Madison Avenue before turning right on Coosa. From Highway 82, turn right on Highway 31. Act like you are driving to Maxwell Air Force Base by driving on Birmingham Highway which becomes Maxwell Boulevard. Drive straight on Tallapoosa Street until Riverwalk Stadium is on the left. Once inside the stadium, the Concourse is wide enough for the crowd, the concession stands do not have long lines, and there are enough restrooms throughout the venue. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to Biscuits games start at $9 for general admission lawn seats if purchased in advance. “Box” seats along the first and third baselines cost $11, “Super Box” tickets behind home play run $13, and “Executive Club” seats immediately behind home plate cost $15. If you decide to purchase tickets the day of, there will be a $2 surcharge added. If bringing a family with at least 4 people, the Family Pack offers box seats, combo meals, and admission into the “fun zone”. That costs $80 for 4 people (you can add people for $20/person). Parking costs in public lots near the stadium (on weekends, street parking is free). You are looking at paying about $25 solo if you purchase a general admission ticket, pay $5 for parking, and drop $10 on concessions while a date night runs $45. Extras 4 Riverwalk Stadium has been the host of the Sun Belt Conference baseball tournament since 2021. It was also home to the Alabama high school baseball championship until 2021 when it moved to Jacksonville State’s Jim Case Stadium. The venue hosted the NCAA Division 2 national championship from 2004-2007. During the game one of the giveaways involved tossing biscuits in the stands. Final Thoughts Riverwalk Stadium is a beautiful ballpark to come visit when stopping by Montgomery. It serves the Biscuits baseball team very well and is a fun place to spend a Summer evening or Saturday. Make sure you get a biscuit while you are watching the Biscuits!

Photo Courtesy of Texas State University Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Strahan Coliseum 700 Aquarena Springs Dr San Marcos, TX 78666 Texas State Bobcats website Strahan Arena website Year Opened: 1982 Capacity: 7,200 The Bobcats Come Out to Play The Texas State Bobcats basketball team has enjoyed a remarkable amount of success since the program began in 1934, winning nine conference titles since 1950; that winning mentality also culminated in an NAIA National Championship in 1960. In recent years, the team has not been able to match the success of their early teams. However, San Marcos is an ideal college town, and the fans of the Bobcats are devoted. Construction has recently begun on an upgrade to Strahan Coliseum, which will eventually add 2,000 seats to the stadium, as well as new coaching offices, locker rooms, and weight room facilities for the athletics department. The upgrades won’t be completed until the fall of 2018, so until then, Bobcats fans can still root on their team in old-school comfort. Food & Beverage 2 One of the charms of Strahan Coliseum is that it feels like an old-school (that is truly the best description for it) high school gymnasium. While this is a great plus in terms of atmosphere and energy from the fans, it does have its drawbacks. For avid sports fans on the lookout for unique dining experiences, the concessions options at Strahan Coliseum are very basic; hot dogs, popcorn, pretzels, and candy are the main stadium food offerings. These items are available from several stations on the main level, but there is also a cash-only concessions cart offering lemonade, funnel cake, and cotton candy. There has been one recent addition to the arena in terms of food and drink options; domestic beer is now sold at some of the food stands. Atmosphere 3 While Strahan Coliseum cannot match the intensity of larger more storied basketball programs, anyone attending a game will enjoy themselves. Period. The intimate seating arrangement allows for good acoustics in the arena, and quite frankly makes it louder than it has any reason to be. The basketball band and the student section, a.k.a. the “Loud Crowd,” do a nice job of keeping things lively both during play and during lulls in the action. A pared-down version of the legendary Texas Strutters dance team is also fun to watch. Since many games take place on weeknights, and college students are often engrossed in studies, finding a seat in Strahan Coliseum won’t be a problem. Neighborhood 3 Quite frankly, San Marcos is the best college town in the state of Texas, and probably one of the best in the country. In places near campus, it has that classic Norman Rockwell look of what your mind’s eye envisions in a college town. While Strahan Coliseum is literally on campus, and there are not many attractions near the arena, you can get to a Bobcats game from anywhere in the city in about 15 minutes. In town, there are so many restaurant and hotel choices to choose from that you are sure to find something that will suit your tastes, and San Marcos also has you covered if you are looking for entertainment options. During warm weather months, which in Central/South Texas can literally be any month of the year, you need to take a trip down to the Guadalupe River for some fun on the water. Alternatively, if you are looking for cultural activities, plan a visit to the Meadows Center for Water and the Environment, where you can ride a turn of the century glass-bottom boat on the fabled Aquarena Springs. This unique experience gives you a close-up look at an ecosystem that is unique to this part of the world. For a little more entertainment that will get your “motor running,” head over to Dick’s Classic Garage Museum. Dozens of antique and collectible cars, ranging from the dawn of the motor age to the 1950s, are gathered under one roof. Or, if you would rather while away your afternoon doing some shopping, the San Marcos Premium Outlets shopping mall has anything and everything you could want. Lastly, San Marcos itself is the halfway point between San Antonio and Austin; you can be in either city in under 45 minutes, along I-35. Fans 4 Bobcat fans are loyal, Bobcat fans are passionate, and Bobcat fans love their team. While they may not show up in numbers the way larger programs do, the ones that do show up (and this is a generational thing; you will see fans and alumni of all ages in the stands at Strahan Coliseum) are vocal and add a distinct energy to the atmosphere. Depending on the night you attend, the numbers might not be near the point of filling the arena for capacity. However, you cannot debate that the fans care about their program. Access 3 You can get to Strahan Coliseum fairly easily off of I-35; there is some navigating through the campus area of the city, but it is not difficult at all. Note however that as renovations are currently underway, parking is somewhat limited, and there are some street closures to be aware of. Despite all of this, with a little forethought and planning you should have no trouble getting to the game, finding a parking spot, and getting to your seat in time for the opening tip off. Return on Investment 3 It does not cost much to attend games at Strahan Coliseum; single-game tickets range from $5 to $25. Playing in the Sun Belt Conference, you won’t typically see any of the “major” men’s college basketball powerhouses come through town, but during non-conference season you will see some Power Five conference teams from time to time. With concessions as limited as they are, you can eat rather affordably, and with no cost for parking, you can take a group of friends or family to a Division I NCAA game without paying a king’s ransom. In addition, you will more than likely see some exciting, competitive basketball. Extras 2 There are not many bells and whistles yet at Strahan Coliseum, but with the upcoming renovations, you are pretty much guaranteed to see some new additions to the stadium in terms of entertainment and in-game experience. Like most venues, there are fun contests during game stoppages. The Texas State Strutters, even in a scaled down version, are always fun to watch. Also, in the arena itself there is a Wall of Honor highlighting some of the best players from every sport to come through Texas State. There is also a nice display case showing off some of the most important moments in men’s basketball history; again, this place is old-school, and it is all about the action on the court. Final Thoughts Strahan Coliseum is one of the last of an old breed of arenas, designed such that you focus solely on the athletes on the court. If you are fan of pure hoops, you will appreciate its look and feel, and the atmosphere it conveys. However, if you’re looking for a lot of extra “sizzle” to go along with your “steak” of a game, you frankly aren’t going to find that here. Still, you can’t beat a night at Strahan Coliseum, especially for the cost you will pay. Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter @EricMoreno6477.